News

To ensure that our products can perform under harsh conditions, GF Solar recently conducted a low-temperature performance test on our DC Tracker Control Unit (TCU). The objective: verify stable operation in sub-zero temperatures for an extended duration.

Experimental overview

▍Test Purpose:
– To verify whether the TCU device functions normally after low-temperature treatment. 

▍Testing is conducted in accordance with the following standards:
 – The test procedures and criteria for evaluating test results are based on Chapter 16, Section 16.1 “Low-Temperature Test” of GB/T 29320-2024 “Technical Requirements for Solar tracking systems in Photovoltaic Power Plants.”

▍Test Sample: 
– Equipment Name: Tracking Control Unit (TCU) 
– Model Specification: GF-S-TCU-V1.0 
– Quantity: 1 set

▍Test Date and Location: 
– July 9, 2025 
– No. 2 Courtyard, Southeast Corner of the Intersection of Dehui Street and Wenjin North Road, Zheng’an Town, Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou, Henan

▍Test system: 
– TCU control unit: Model GF-S-TCU-V1.0, 1 set 
– Tracking system type: Single-axis solar mounting system (including flat single-axis and inclined single-axis)  
– Tracking mechanism composition:  
· Electric Actuator: DC 24V motor with gear reduction mechanism    
· Steel Structure Mounting System, Flat Single-Axis, supporting ±60° rotation    
· Installation Components: 1P total of 9 solar panels

▍Experimental Equipment: 
– High-Low Temperature Test Chamber

▍Environmental Conditions: 
– Test Date: July 9, 2025  
– Test Location: Henan GF New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. factory test site  
– Ambient Temperature: 35.3℃
– Relative Humidity: 52% RH  
– Weather Conditions: Sunny, no significant wind interference

Test methods and procedures

▍Experimental Preparation: 
– Connect the TCU to the tracking system 
– The drive unit and control system of the tracking system are not powered on

▍Experimental Procedure Steps: 
1. Place the drive unit and control system of the tracking system, which are not powered on, into the High-Low Temperature Test Chamber, and adjust the temperature of the test chamber to -40℃; 
2. Store at -40℃ for 16 hours; 
3. Gradually restore the temperature of the test chamber to -25℃ at a rate not exceeding 1℃/min, and let it stand at -25℃ for 2 hours; 
4. Power on and operate for 2 hours, and record the operating status of the tracking system; 
5. Let it work at room temperature for 2 hours; 
6. Control the tracking system to operate in both automatic and manual modes, and record the operating status of the tracking system.

Test results and conclusions

Test photos
 

TCU shuts down at -40℃ and stored for 16 hours.

TCU warms up to -25℃, shuts down, and stores for 2 hours.