Linear drive apparatus and method of controlling and using same for solar energy tracking

A linear drive apparatus, comprising:

• an outer tube with a first tube end and a second tube end, the outer tube including a front section extending from the second tube end and a back section extending from the first tube end;
• a sealing end cap provided at the first tube end;
• a screw provided in the outer tube, a first end of the screw connected to a drive mechanism;
• a drive nut provided on the screw in a threaded fit therewith;
• an extension rod provided between the outer tube and the screw, one end of the extension rod connected to the drive nut and the other end thereof passing through the sealing end cap;
• a sealing assembly provided between the extension rod and the sealing end cap;
• a waterproof and oil-proof ventilation stopper provided on the outer tube;
• a single-row tapered roller bearing provided in the outer tube;
• an outer ring of the single-row tapered roller bearing connected to an inner wall of the outer tube;
• an inner ring of the single-row tapered roller bearing fitted with the screw;
• a sliding bearing provided between the extension rod and the sealing end cap;
• and
• a dustproof ring provided at an end of the sealing end cap distal to the outer tube and between the extension rod and the sealing end cap,
• wherein the sealing assembly is provided between the dustproof ring and the sliding bearing.