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| Brand Name: | HANGTUO |
| Model Number: | VE5 |
| MOQ: | 1 PC |
| Price: | 145~226 USD/PC |
| Delivery Time: | 15~30 DAYS |
Envelope Self Locking Worm Slew Drive Gearbox For Solar Tracking System
Self Locking Worm Slew Drive Description
The enclosed, self-locking worm slew drive is a compact, integrated reduction unit specifically designed for rotational motion control in solar tracking systems. It combines a hardened worm gear set, a precision slewing bearing, and a robust, enclosed housing—with the option to integrate a drive motor—to form a reliable transmission unit.
Unlike traditional gear reducers, the built-in slewing bearing can simultaneously withstand axial forces, radial forces, and tilting moments. This allows the compact unit to replace complex systems that would otherwise require multiple independent bearings and transmission components. During operation, the worm drives the slewing gear, enabling smooth, controlled, and precise rotation. The geometry of the worm gear set also provides a self-locking function, which prevents the output from rotating in reverse without requiring total reliance on a motor brake.
Engineered for single-axis and dual-axis solar tracking systems, this drive ensures that photovoltaic panels maintain their intended position—even when subjected to wind, gravity, or dynamic loads—while allowing for continuous adjustments based on changing sunlight conditions. Its sealed design protects internal components from dust, moisture, and harsh outdoor environments, thereby extending service life and minimizing maintenance requirements.
Available in sizes ranging from 3 inches to 25 inches, this product series is suitable for residential, commercial, agricultural, and utility-scale photovoltaic projects. Depending on specific tracking control requirements, the unit can be configured with various drive options, including hydraulic motors, stepper motors, servo motors, or standard electric motors. This highly versatile slew drive platform is also widely used in marine equipment, construction machinery, light industrial machinery, metallurgical equipment, medical devices, and other industrial sectors.
Vertical Slew Drive Performance Parameters
| Model | Ratio | Rated Output Torque | Tilting Torque | Axial Load | Radial Load | Holding Torque | Efficiency | Precision | Self-locking | Weight |
| N.m | N.m | kN | kN | N.m | degree | Yes | kg | |||
| 3" | 31:1 | 300 | 1500 | 3.6 | 15 | 7000 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 13kg |
| 5" | 37:1 | 637.5 | 5000 | 16 | 27 | 9200 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 18kg |
| 7" | 57:1 | 1750 | 7000 | 34 | 58 | 13200 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 28kg |
| 8" | 51:1 | 2250 | 11200 | 50 | 80 | 20400 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 35kg |
| 9" | 61:1 | 4300 | 16000 | 60 | 130 | 27200 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 51kg |
| 12" | 78:1 | 5600 | 25000 | 77 | 190 | 40560 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 61kg |
| 14" | 85:1 | 6750 | 48000 | 110 | 230 | 44200 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 78 kg |
| 17" | 102:1 | 9460 | 67000 | 142 | 390 | 53040 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 105 kg |
| 21" | 125:1 | 16000 | 89000 | 337 | 640 | 65000 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 185 kg |
| 25" | 150:1 | 21450 | 112000 | 476 | 950 | 89000 | 40% | ≤0.1 | Yes | 244 kg |
Key Features
Self-Locking Output for Operational Safety
Equipped with a self-locking worm gear mechanism, the unit effectively prevents the load from back-driving the gearbox. This feature ensures positional stability during power outages, emergency shutdowns, or high-wind events, reducing reliance on external braking systems.
High Tilting Moment and Load-Bearing Capacity
The integrated slewing bearing can simultaneously withstand axial forces, radial forces, and tilting moments. This makes the drive ideal for cantilevered solar panels, long-row photovoltaic (PV) tracking systems, and installations subject to uneven or fluctuating wind loads.
Precise Solar Positioning
With a positioning accuracy of ≤0.1°, the drive ensures consistent and repeatable tracking motion. Fine-adjustment capabilities help maintain the optimal alignment angle for solar panels, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the tracking system.
Integrated, Compact Design
The slewing bearing and worm gearbox are combined into a single, compact unit. Reducing the number of components simplifies the installation process and saves valuable space within the tracking system structure.
Compatibility with Various Motor Types
The input side is compatible with hydraulic motors, stepper motors, servo motors, or standard electric motors. This flexibility allows a single base drive platform to support diverse control systems and project configurations.
Fully Enclosed Structure with Low Maintenance Requirements
The sealed housing prevents the ingress of external contaminants and ensures that lubricant remains contained. The exterior features a durable, weather-resistant coating—standardized in RAL 9006, with other RAL colors available upon request.
Wide Range of Specifications
Available in sizes ranging from 3 inches to 25 inches, the series accommodates a broad spectrum of torque, load, and mounting requirements. These units are suitable for everything from small-scale distributed solar tracking systems to large-scale utility-grade PV projects.
Why Choose This Self-Locking Worm Gear Slewing Drive?
Provides stable holding performance under wind and reverse loads
Combines axial, radial, and tilting moment load-bearing capabilities
Suitable for long-term outdoor use
Offers precise positioning with high repeatability
Compatible with a wide range of motors
Comes standard with an RAL 9006 finish; custom colors are also available
Available in various specifications to suit different classes of tracking systems
Easy to install and maintain
Selection Guide
When selecting a model, please consider the following factors:
Required output torque and holding torque
Maximum axial and radial loads
Maximum tilting moment resulting from wind loads and the geometry of the photovoltaic (PV) panels
Required tracking speed and positioning accuracy
Motor type, voltage, and control method
Operating temperature and environmental exposure conditions
Mounting orientation and duty cycle (load cycle)
Expected service life and maintenance intervals
We recommend providing your actual load spectrum and tracking operating conditions so that the optimal model can be determined based on your specific requirements.
FAQ
What is a self-locking worm gear slewing drive?
A self-locking worm gear slewing drive is a rotary reduction unit that utilizes a worm gear mechanism. It effectively prevents the output side from rotating in reverse once the motor has stopped. It is commonly used in applications where a load must remain held in a specific position after the motor ceases operation.
Is this slewing drive suitable for solar tracking systems?
Yes. It is highly suitable for both single-axis and dual-axis solar tracking systems, as it integrates rotation, load support, and position-holding functions into a single, compact unit.
Can different types of motors be used?
Yes. Depending on your control system and installation requirements, the drive can be paired with hydraulic motors, stepper motors, servo motors, or standard electric motors.
What is a tilting moment?
A tilting moment refers to the overturning load that a slewing drive can withstand. In the context of solar tracking systems, it is influenced by factors such as wind pressure, the dimensions of the PV panels, the length of the support arms, and the position of the center of gravity.
Can the housing color be customized?
Yes. The standard color is RAL 9006; other RAL standard colors are also available for specific projects.
How do you select the right model?
Selection should be based on output torque, holding torque, axial and radial loads, tilting moment, rotational speed, duty cycle, and environmental conditions. Application data should be carefully evaluated before finalizing the model.
Contact us.
Please provide us with the dimensions of your solar tracker, operating loads, tracking speed, and motor requirements. Our engineering team will assist you in selecting or customizing a self-locking worm gear slewing drive for your project.
