SKF, the knowledge engineering company, has introduced its separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings to support high-speed shafts in wind turbine gearboxes. By incorporating these bearings within gearboxes and turbine units, equipment manufacturers can add advanced technology and increase system reliability. For wind farm owners and operators the ability to reduce gearbox failures and turbine downtime can minimise operating and maintenance costs, helping to lower cost per kWh and increase profitability.
The new SKF separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings combine the advantages of conventional cylindrical roller bearings and SKF high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings, which are already widely used in the industry. They are sized to match standard original bearings, yet feature extra rollers for increased load-carrying capacity. In addition, they offer the ability to separate the inner ring from the rest of the bearing components, without the risk of the rollers becoming disengaged.
Conventional bearings used to handle minimal load conditions and quick acceleration and deceleration can suffer smearing due to high levels of wear, potentially leading to bearing failure. To minimise this risk, the design of the latest SKF separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings has been optimised, with an inner ring cage guidance mechanism and a lower weight brass cage, for low inertia of the roller set. Additionally, the use of black-oxidised rollers improves running-in behaviour and prevents oil film build-up to ensure more stable running conditions. The separable bearing design also enables easy mounting and dismounting, helping to reduce replacement and maintenance times during top-of-turbine repairs.
According to Andreas Urban, Business Engineer, SKF Renewable Energy, "The industry trend toward increased turbine size calls for technology advances including reduced weight, more compact and lighter nacelles, drive trains, gearboxes and generators, which facilitate safety and keep manufacturing costs in check. Increased offshore operations and wind farms in harsh climates and remote locations lead to new challenges for maintenance and repair by owners and operators."
Mr. Urban continued, "SKF is a major supplier to the wind power industry and partners with original equipment manufacturers and operators. The separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings have been developed from customer feedback and are one of the many SKF innovations to benefit manufacturers and the growing service sector for repairs, upgrades and replacements."
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