Wind turbine manufacturers typically cover equipment with a maximum warranty coverage of 10 years. Once the warranty period has passed, bearings are almost always near the top of the list of necessary repairs. Wind turbine components have high operating demands and a large part of their efficiency is dependent on the reliability of the bearings used in the application.
If you’re in the wind turbine market and need replacement bearings (or just want to be ready for when the time comes), below are some options that you should consider.
CYLINDRICAL ROLLER BEARINGS
Our manufacturing partner, NKE , broke into the market by offering a modular system for planetary bearings . This modular system is based on a single-row of cylindrical roller bearings without an outer ring. Since the planetary bearing design is standardized, this system can be used in various gearbox sizes along with first and second planetary stages.
Cylindrical roller bearings are suitable for high radial loads in gear boxes and generators.
TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS
When paired, tapered roller bearings can take up thrust loads in both directions and are able to handle tilting movements. These bearings are usually custom-designed for gearboxes and are suitable for high radio and thrust loads.
SPHERICAL ROLLER BEARINGS
These bearings are suitable for large radial loads and low to medium speeds and allow compensation for misalignment. Usually, spherical roller bearings are incorporated in main shafts and gear boxes.
FOUR-POINT CONTACT BALL BEARINGS
Incorporated mainly in gearbox high-speed output shafts, four-point contact ball bearings are able to efficiently manage thrust and limited radial loads. They are constructed from standard cage material in a solid, one-piece brass cage (MPA).
DEEP GROOVE BALL BEARINGS
Mainly for use in generators, deep groove ball bearings are well suited for medium high radial and axial loads in one or both directions. They have numerous clearance and tolerance classes available for different operating conditions and are ideal for wind turbines because they can withstand very high rotating speeds.
ELECTRICALLY INSULATED BEARINGS
Electricity can corrode many materials, reducing the reliability of bearings over time. Electrically insulated bearings have a higher operational reliability as they prevent damage caused by the passage of electric currents. They are interchangeable with standard bearings, making them an optimal replacement option for equipment that is out of warranty. Ritbearing currently offers insulated bearings in a cylindrical roller or a deep groove ball bearing design.
No matter what type of bearing you need, we have the products that can keep your wind turbines turning for years to come.