The Engineer

Wind turbine manufacturers and operators are faced with enormous challenges. For example, how can higher performance be delivered consistently with the same installation space? Whilst simultaneously extending the lifetime of existing wind farms, improving the carbon footprint, and ultimately reducing electricity generation costs. Schaeffler answers these questions with innovative bearing solutions that offer possibilities for producing wind turbines and operating them sustainably and economically.

To optimise the performance of its bearings in wind turbines, Schaeffler has adjusted its two tapered roller bearings in an O arrangement. The increased support spacing of this bearing arrangement reduces the inner bearing loads, whereby the bearing can be made smaller and lighter.

Many wind turbine drive train concepts installed worldwide are equipped with spherical roller bearings on the rotor. If these bearings fail prematurely, replacement is usually not economical due to the high costs. Schaeffler has developed an innovative and robust solution based on the split, asymmetrical spherical roller bearings, which can reduce the cost of replacing the bearings by up to 50 per cent.

Proving to be a success, Schaeffler's split spherical roller bearing has been awarded "Product Innovation of the Year" from the Renewable Energy Hamburg Cluster, which acknowledges outstanding innovations and personal commitment to renewable energies.

Schaeffler has also developed a new solution for the planetary gears using series-ready hydro-dynamic plain bearings. This is because increasing power density in wind turbine gears, combined with the demand for reduced weight and cost, requires new bearings concepts.

Wind energy is developing quickly, so are Schaeffler's advancements.