Wind turbines - our key components
Since the early days of wind energy, our experts have carried out intensive research and development work on the use of slewing bearings in wind turbines. As a result, rotor, blade and yaw bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde are installed in onshore and offshore wind turbines all over the world. To meet the demanding requirements of the turbines, the rotating components are perfectly optimized for their respective applications. We present to you where exactly they are used and what their functions are.
1. Rotor bearing
The rotor bearing transmits the torques generated by the wind power as loss-free as possible to the generator for power generation and at the same time supports the high axial and radial forces as well as the resulting tilting moments acting on the turbine. This makes the rotor bearing the / a central component of the drive train system.
The thyssenkrupp rothe erde rotor bearings have a diameter of up to 7 meters and, depending on the type of plant, are available in single-row or multi-row design, clamped or bolted installation, and case-hardened or non-slip induction-hardened raceways. When designing rotor bearings, our experts pay attention to load capacity, service life and performance. State-of-the-art analysis tools and condition monitoring systems allow remote monitoring even after installation.
2. Blade bearing
But the rotor blades of a wind turbine must not only rotate, they must also be able to adjust their angle of attack to different wind speeds. The angle of attack has a direct impact on the efficiency of the turbine. This is where blade bearings come into play. The most suitable bearings for the task are single and double row ball bearings as well as triple row roller bearings.
With the enormous forces acting on the plant at airy heights, it is easy to imagine that every change of load on a blade bearing means severe stress on the material. To ensure reliable operation over the lifetime of the plant, the blade bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde are designed with preloaded raceways and fitted with wear-resistant cage inserts. In addition, the experts use special ozone- and UV-resistant seals to provide the best possible protection for the running system and the environment. On request, the blade bearings can be designed with integrated internal or external gearing.
3. Azimuth bearings for the nacelle
To allow the nacelle of a wind turbine to track flexibly when the wind direction changes, the nacelle is rotatably mounted on the tower head. A so-called azimuth bearing is used. Single-row or double-row four-point contact bearings with integrated internal or external gearing are particularly suitable as azimuth bearings. In the megawatt class, three-row roller bearings are also used. All designs have durable integrated sealing systems of the raceway system.
Large-diameter antifriction bearings play an important role in the stabilization and mobility of machinery in many industries. In wind turbines in particular, the large bearings are subjected to enormous forces.
Our experts at thyssenkrupp rothe erde will be pleased to answer any inquiries for information and details about our slewing bearings.