German outfit Schaeffler has developed new and optimised bearings units for use on wind turbines.
They include a new flange-mounted tapered roller bearing unit.
It features a double row tapered roller bearing unit in an ‘O’ arrangement, with grease lubrication and seals, which is supplied pre-assembled, the company said.
Another addition is a sensor – FAG GreaseCheck – to monitor grease conditions, water content and mechanical wear.
If GreaseCheck detects that the water content in the grease has exceeded a defined threshold, it sends a signal to a control room or to a central lubricating system via the control room for action to be taken, Schaeffler said.
The company said it has also optimised its spherical roller bearings for main rotor bearing supports.
Image: Schaeffler
