Renewable energy projects face specific challenges, including constant vibration, corrosion, extreme weather conditions, high temperatures, as well as material fatigue. When choosing the right fastener, manufacturers should focus on solutions that are both reliable and long-lasting. For renewable energy infrastructure, another important consideration is power tool selection, focusing on factors from mobility to torque control. The wrong fastener or installation procedure can dramatically increase costs. Here, STANLEY® Engineered Fastening outlines its solutions for the renewable energy sector.
Solar
Each of the two primary solar applications – photovoltaic tracking and concentrating solar power – present specific challenges. Photovoltaic (PV) Tracking Systems are solar panel modules that follow the sun throughout the day, tilting at a sharp angle to maximise solar radiation consumption and therefore, electricity production.
The fasteners used to install these systems must be permanent, highly corrosion resistant and capable of withstanding high vibration in extreme weather events. PV systems require UL certification and also feature several different elements that need to be securely fastened.
The other solar system is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), systems which are fixed-in-place. Specific CSP applications require special attention to the assembly process, such as the assembly of cross bars and collector bars, as well as the collector to collector assembly.
Wind
Wind energy systems include different components, each presenting a completely unique set of circumstances and requirements. While wind turbines are heavy and made up of huge components that are subjected to continuous vibration, the wind towers supporting them require permanent large diameter fixations that are long-lasting and reliable. Another part of a wind energy system is the engine housing, which requires permanent fixation with high reliability and little maintenance.
A suitable fastening solution
The three types of fastening systems best suited for renewable energy projects are specialised nuts and bolts, rivets and stud welding. Each of these fastening solutions is uniquely suited to specific renewable applications.
Threaded, nut and bolt fasteners such as Spiralock® are useful in applications where vibration resistance is critical but adjustments are required. Spiralock® is specifically designed for extreme temperatures, heavy shock and vibration, long hours of strenuous operation, in addition to millions of loading cycles – the challenges currently facing wind generation facilities. Because they are reusable, these fasteners allow rapid repair turnarounds.
Blind rivet fasteners are a perfect fit for the solar energy sector, with high strength breakstem systems such as Monobolt® and Avbolt® offering high-speed fastening solutions for applications with limited, one-sided access.
Lock bolts such as NeoBolt® system and Avdelok® fasteners are popular in wind and solar applications, as these fasteners feature annular locking grooves that resist vibration and fatigue – thus preventing unscrewing or loosening. Solar customers, the company outlines, have reported savings of almost 25% in hand labour-related costs using NeoBolt® fasteners in lieu of its threaded counterparts.
When it comes to stud welding for the construction of wind turbine towers, NELSON® stud welding offers a reliable and easily installed fastening system for foundation elements that need to have strong adhesion with concrete parts.
Finding the right supplier
Once users have narrowed down the fastening solution to the one that best fits their renewable energy project needs, the next step is choosing a supplier to source these fasteners. Most of the big players in the renewable sector partner with suppliers who have proven experience and global manufacturing capabilities. Beyond that, the most reliable suppliers are able to act locally and quickly to support customers.
Consider that in a large solar installation there may be upwards of a million fasteners needed to complete the job – even a minor supply chain issue can cost an installer time and money.
STANLEY® Engineered Fastening has been growing alongside the renewable sector for decades, developing specialised solutions specifically for wind and solar energy systems. With a broad portfolio of fastening solutions in the industry, the company can help recommend the best solution for each application.
Becca is the latest member to join our team and is eager to get stuck into the world of fasteners. She brings an enthusiastic and fresh outlook on what we do editorially and will be leading our social media activity – including sourcing material, editing articles and posting online.
