Posted to News on 27th Oct 2010, 11:34
Hybrid bearings for wind turbines at HUSUM WindEnergy
NSK exhibited at HUSUM WindEnergy for the first time in 2010, showcasing various bearing designs that have developed specially for use in wind turbines - and are already used by leading manufacturers.
In addition, NSK presented a new innovation: a hybrid bearing with ceramic balls that boasts a long life and also acts as an electrical insulator. This function is needed to prevent current from passing through the power train, thereby minimising the damage that can be caused by electrical corrosion).
NSK has already gained extensive experience with a combination of heavy-duty steel and ceramic. Its Robust bearings with ceramic balls have gained a reputation as high-strength, long-life, high-precision bearings for applications in machine tools. Now the company is utilising this experience for larger bearings - such as those used in wind turbines - and has ramped up its production capacities for high-precision ceramic components accordingly.
Other NSK products on show at HUSUM WindEnergy included spherical roller bearings for rotor shafts, bearings for generators, and housed bearing units on a sample wind turbine gear shaft.
All of the bearings fulfil the wind power industry's high requirements for durability. They are designed for a service life of over 20 years - even in adverse operating conditions including highly dynamic wind loads, moisture and temperature fluctuations. NSK uses high-purity bearing steels for its wind sector products. Special materials are also used for specific requirements, such as Super-TF steel, which was developed for precisely this application profile.
With this broad range of products, NSK is now presenting itself as a full-range supplier of bearings for the complete wind turbine power train.
Use the 'Request a callback' and 'Request information' buttons (see top of page) to find out more about NSK's hybrid bearings for wind turbines.
