As an essential equipment for modern infrastructure development, cable conveyors demonstrate versatile applications across multiple industries with specialized operational requirements.
Cable Conveyor Laying Project for a Large-Scale Solar Power Park in the Atacama Desert, Chile (One of the Largest Photovoltaic Clusters in the Americas)
Project Background
Located in the Atacama Desert—the region with the highest solar radiation on Earth—the project involved laying over 120 kilometers of medium-voltage collector cables to connect tens of thousands of PV panels to substations. The environment posed severe challenges: extreme daily temperature fluctuations (over 30°C) and highly abrasive, corrosive sand dust.
Application of Chinese Equipment
This project utilized 28 XN-SDI series desert-specific cable conveyors manufactured by Keepapexpower company.
- Technical Features:
- Temperature-Compensated Design: Conveyor rollers used high-elasticity composite materials to maintain consistent friction from -10°C to 60°C.
- Dustproof Sealing System: Critical bearing areas featured a triple labyrinth seal design, effectively preventing fine sand ingress.
- Solar Power Compatibility: Units offered an optional DC power interface, allowing direct connection to the PV array’s DC supply, thus reducing power conversion losses.
Outcomes and Feedback
- Zero-Failure Record: Throughout 18 months of continuous operation, the equipment experienced no downtime caused by sand or temperature extremes.
- Energy Savings: Utilizing the DC power mode saved approximately USD 120,000 in diesel generator fuel costs.
- Industry Impact: The Chilean Ministry of Energy listed this project as a “Best Practice Case for Power Engineering in Desert Regions.” The technical specifications of the Chinese conveyors were subsequently included in the Chilean National Electric Coordinator’s (CEN) “Guide for Cable Installation in Desert Areas.”
