Polymer-tech SolutionsTM
Zhejiang CSB Plastic Bearing Technology Co., Ltd. recently announced a major business cooperation with Spain NCLAVE. The original and revised designs of GSQB PV tracker bracket bearings have officially obtained the European invention patent license from NCLAVE. This cooperation marks that CSB bearing technology for PV tracker brackets has gained authoritative recognition in the European market, further accelerating the global rollout of high-performance self-lubricating spherical plain bearings developed in China for the new energy sector.
The global energy mix is rapidly shifting toward low-carbon clean power, and photovoltaic power generation has become the primary driver of new power capacity additions worldwide. The PV industry’s focus has shifted from expanding installed capacity to boosting power generation efficiency over the full lifecycle. PV trackers adjust modules to follow the sun’s position in real time, delivering a 20%–30% higher power yield than fixed mounting structures, with even more prominent gains in high-latitude regions with favorable solar irradiance. As the core load-bearing and pivoting component for tracker pitch rotation, spherical plain bearings operate continuously outdoors under harsh conditions including intense UV exposure, extreme temperature cycles, humidity and sand dust. Their reliability directly determines power output and OPEX throughout the 25-year service life of a PV plant, making them a critical factor for levelized cost of electricity reduction.
Building on years of R&D expertise in polymer friction materials, CSB has developed the GSQB series spherical plain bearings and launched the upgraded GSQB-ML-EC low-profile economical spherical plain bearing for PV trackers. This model features three major enhancements over the baseline GSQB design. Its low-profile construction reduces installation height to fit confined space under the main beam, enabling lightweight tracker design and cutting overall material costs. An innovative metal insert friction pair replaces the original plastic-on-plastic contact with plastic-on-metal mating, significantly lowering wear under reciprocating swing and enabling maintenance-free operation for 25 years. It also eliminates stick-slip noise under low-speed heavy-load conditions to ensure smooth, quiet operation and protect the integrity of the entire tracker system.
In terms of structure and materials, the GSQB-ML-EC retains a split design for easy on-site assembly. All components adopt PFAS-free eco-friendly DURAPLAS® composite materials paired with galvanized steel clamps and friction washers, delivering excellent UV resistance and resistance to humid heat ageing. The bearing offers up to 9° angular compensation and a radial load capacity ≥50kN. It has passed ISO-standard ageing testing with a 4000-hour duration and total irradiation of 45kWh, suited for complex terrains including mountains, slopes and desert sites. Base mounting requires only two bolts, streamlining field installation and easing deployment across varied landforms.
NCLAVE is a well-established European PV tracker supplier with extensive delivery experience for utility-scale ground-mounted PV projects across overseas markets. The European invention patent license granted to CSB for the original and revised GSQB designs fully validates CSB’s product design, material technology and adaptability to harsh operating conditions. This partnership opens up a clear compliance pathway for CSB to enter the European market, allowing the high-reliability GSQB bearing solution to meet stringent technical requirements for diverse European PV tracker projects.
Against the backdrop of high-quality global PV development, tracker penetration keeps rising and plant owners are placing greater emphasis on full-lifecycle LCOE. Leveraging this cooperation, CSB will continue to deepen its expertise in PV spherical plain bearings. By capitalizing on the technical strengths of self-lubricating polymer bearings to balance service life, performance and cost competitiveness, CSB will provide robust core component solutions for customers at home and abroad, supporting the sustainable and high-quality development of the global photovoltaic industry.