Non Standard Custom Stroke Solar Linear Actuator For Unique CSP Towers

U23D Custom Stroke Linear Actuator for CSP Heliostats

Project-Specific Stroke Configuration for Solar Tower Tracking Systems

A CSP heliostat does not always need a standard actuator stroke. The required travel depends on the heliostat geometry, actuator mounting points and the movement needed to position the mirror.

TOMUU U23D is a high-precision linear actuator developed for solar tower heliostat tracking systems. For projects with non-standard movement requirements, the actuator stroke can be defined according to the actual heliostat design rather than selected from a fixed stroke range.

The U23D platform provides a 40,000N rated push and pull load, 55,000N maximum static load, 24V DC operation and IP66 protection. The final stroke and installation arrangement should be confirmed together as part of the project configuration.

Why Stroke Is Project-Specific in a CSP Heliostat

Stroke is the actuator travel required between its retracted and extended positions. In a heliostat, that travel is connected directly to the geometry of the tracking structure.

Two heliostat designs can use the same actuator platform but require different strokes because the actuator attachment points, lever arm and required mirror movement are different. This is why a CSP actuator should not be selected by stroke alone.

U23D Technical Base for Custom Stroke Projects

Custom stroke does not change the basic meaning of the U23D load specifications. The actuator is rated for 40,000N push and 40,000N pull, while 55,000N is the maximum static load.

The U23D specification defines the selected stroke as S ±2mm. Final stroke and installation requirements should be confirmed for the actual project.

Custom Stroke Starts with Heliostat Geometry

A request such as “we need a 500mm stroke” gives only one part of the information needed to confirm an actuator. For a CSP heliostat, TOMUU also needs to understand where the actuator is installed and how the structure moves.

Changing an actuator mounting point can change the required stroke. It can also change the mechanical leverage and therefore the load acting on the actuator. For this reason, stroke, installation geometry and load should be reviewed together.

Stroke & Installation Reference

The U23D drawing defines the selected actuator stroke as S ±2mm and provides the dimensional reference for the actuator structure.

For a non-standard stroke project, the final installation arrangement should be checked against the heliostat structure rather than assuming that one fixed installation dimension applies to every CSP tower design.

When available, send the heliostat drawing with the actuator mounting points and required movement positions marked.

Custom Stroke Does Not Simply Mean a Longer Actuator

A longer stroke is not automatically the right solution for a CSP heliostat. The required stroke should correspond to the movement that the tracker structure actually needs between its operating positions.

If the stroke is changed, the actuator installation space and operating geometry should be checked again. The final configuration therefore depends on the complete heliostat design, not only on a target stroke number.

U23D in a Real Solar Tower Heliostat Project

TOMUU U23D actuators are used in the heliostat tracking system of the Anduo Tushuo CSP project in Tibet, China, located at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level.

The project provides a real application reference for U23D as part of a solar tower heliostat positioning system, where actuator configuration must match the actual tracking structure and installation conditions.

View the U23D CSP Project Case →

Production for Project Configurations

For a project-specific actuator configuration, the confirmed stroke and related project requirements need to be carried consistently into production.

TOMUU combines actuator assembly, process control and project production with the configuration information confirmed before manufacturing.

R&D & Testing

For CSP heliostat applications, actuator evaluation includes more than checking whether the actuator reaches the required stroke. TOMUU carries out testing related to load, protection, movement performance and durability for project delivery.

What to Provide for a Custom Stroke U23D

To evaluate a non-standard U23D stroke for a CSP heliostat, please provide as much of the following project information as available:

If the exact stroke has not yet been finalized, the heliostat structure and movement requirements can be reviewed first before the actuator configuration is confirmed.

Continue Your U23D Selection

Need a Non-Standard Stroke for Your CSP Heliostat?

Send TOMUU your heliostat structure, required movement range, actuator mounting points, load requirements, speed and project quantity. If the final stroke has not yet been confirmed, provide the structure drawing and movement requirements for project evaluation.

You can also review the Linear Actuator Selection Guide before sending the project information.