Addressing Fastening Challenges in Solar Installations
As solar racking and tracking systems expand globally, the critical role of fasteners in ensuring structural integrity is often overlooked. Howmet highlights the need for reliable joint design through advanced fastening technologies, aiming to improve solar installation durability and reduce maintenance.
Why Proper Fastening Matters
Traditional torque-based fastening introduces significant variability and risks, leading to potential joint failures. Key challenges include:
- Torque measures friction, not joint tightness, leading to inconsistent clamp.
- Variables like lubrication, tool calibration, and thread wear cause clamp scatter of 30% or more.
- Poorly clamped joints are prone to fatigue and failure under cyclic and vibrational loads.
Strategic Clamp Control & Risk Management
Howmet advocates the use of direct tension fasteners to control clamp directly and ensure installation reliability. This approach:
- Reduces clamp scatter to ±2%, compared to 30% with conventional methods.
- Improves joint integrity under cyclic and vibrational stresses.
- Enhances service life by distributing load more evenly across fasteners.
Technology-Driven Solutions
Howmet’s fastening technologies for solar applications include:
- Direct tension fasteners utilizing a pin and collar system, ensuring elastic preload.
- Swaging technology that eliminates gaps and prevents vibration loosening.
- Battery-operated installation tools for ergonomic and consistent field installations.
The Future of Solar Fastening Systems
As solar deployments grow more remote and extensive, Howmet is advancing fastening technologies to ensure field reliability, including:
- Ergonomic, low-training-required installation systems.
- Solutions that lower maintenance needs and total lifecycle costs.
- Fastener designs that meet future standards for joint durability and vibration resistance.
By focusing on controlled clamp, installation repeatability, and maintenance reduction, Howmet ensures that solar structures remain safe, efficient, and resilient throughout their operational life.
Read the full article here: https://pes.eu.com/exclusive-article/key-considerations-for-fastening-solar-structures/