Page 4 of catalogue Bearing Technology for Wind Turbines of Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

Bearing

Technology

Proven, high performance bearing concepts for rotor shafts

In wind turbines, the rotor shaft arrangement is of central importance. This is where all the forces and moments act directly that are induced by the wind. The rolling bearings are subjected to highly dynamic loads and operating conditions. In partnership with customers, the Schaeffler Group engineers develop the most efficient bearing arrangement for each case. Low friction bearings from INA and FAG are used in the power trains of modern turbines throughout the world, from 220 kW to the latest multi-megawatt class.

Shaft bearing arrangement The classical, repeatedly proven solution consists of a locating/floating bearing arrangement with spherical, cylindrical or tapered Roller bearings. Hub bearing arrangement The adjusted bearing arrangement contains two Tapered roller bearings. The alternative locating/floating arrangement comprises a matched tapered roller bearing and cylindrical roller bearing. Single bearing concepts These designs combine the force and moment support functions in a multi-row

rolling bearing. The design as a double row tapered roller bearing is matched to the operating conditions. This also applies to the dimensions; large bearings can be over 400 mm wide and over 3 000 mm in outside diameter. Rotor bearing housings Bearing housings calculated using state of the art methods ensure the best possible support of forces and moments with optimum dimensioning. In almost all cases, development is undertaken for specific customer requirements and the housings are matched to the bearings used.

4