By Doug Lucas; Wind Energy Engineer The Timken Company Onshore wind developers and operators deserve enormous credit for their hard work and dedication. If the U.S. is to fully optimize wind capacity in the country, however, it is time to follow the UK and European markets. And this means pushing the offshore wind sector forward…
Why sealing is one component of effective bearing lubrication
Effective sealing is a critical but, at times, overlooked component of effective bearing lubrication in wind turbines. In many cases, seals are the differentiating factor that impacts overall bearing and system performance. Consider that most wind turbines experience some amount of lubrication leakage. These occurrences are relatively minimal for onshore turbines but can pose an…
Timken presents bearing solutions & power transmission products to reduce turbine downtime
The Timken Company, global provider of engineered bearings and power transmission products, has built a powerful portfolio of solutions aimed at helping wind-turbine operators and manufacturers improve the reliability of their assets and move the industry forward. The company will present its products and expertise at the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) WINDPOWER 2019. “Timken’s…
A coating for more reliable wind-turbine bearings
It’s been said a wind turbine is only as good as its components, and a turbine’s bearings are extremely important ones. Although bearings are used many places throughout a nacelle, such as on generators and in the yaw and pitch system, those on main shafts and gearboxes are typically most problematic. Not too long ago,…
New advances in wind-turbine components
A wind turbine is only as good as the sum of its parts. However, choosing components that operate with minimal maintenance or repair needs is a challenge at wind farms. Almost without exception, turbines operate under extreme conditions that put these powerful machines under considerable stress and wear. Over time, operations and maintenance costs can…
Timken has made mounted bearings easier to install & replace
The Timken Company, a provider of engineered bearings and power transmission products, is expanding its line of mounted bearings with spherical roller bearing solid-block housed units that allow for even easier installation and removal for a multitude of applications. “Timken spherical roller bearing solid-block housed units with double-nut adapters are designed for tough conditions without being hard…
Timken finalizes acquisition of Cone Drive
The Timken Company, a global provider in engineered bearings and power transmission products, says that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Cone Drive, a leader in precision drives used in diverse markets including automation, aerial platforms, and renewables. Cone Drive is headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, and has manufacturing operations in the United States and China. The…
Timken to showcase new wind-turbine solutions at AWEA’s WINDPOWER 2018
As the American wind power industry continues to grow, The Timken Company continues to pioneer new wind-energy solutions with drivetrain improvements aimed at the mainshaft, gearbox, and generator bearings. Power producers, rebuilders, turbine and gearbox original equipment manufacturers are invited to meet with Timken engineers at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) WINDPOWER 2018 Show, May 7 to 10 to…
Why integrated bearing designs reduce wind-turbine gearbox failures
By Michelle Froese | Senior editor Windpower Engineering & Development A bearing typically has three pieces: the rollers, an inner race that is pressed onto a shaft, and an outer race that is pressed into the gear bore. Exceptional engineering and quality components are important if the gearbox is to endure the harsh and variable…
Full range of Timken deep-groove ball bearings now available
Timken deep groove ball bearings follow ISO standards and are dimensionally interchangeable with competitor products. Designed to deliver optimal performance and long life.
Wind turbine common failures and solutions
Experience is improving estimates of failure times for critical components such as bearings, said experts at the 3rd Annual Wind Optimization & Maintenance Canada conference.
A better way to automatically lubricate wind-turbine bearings
Due to the demands of continuous operation, it is critical that the wind turbine bearings in the nacelle receive consistent and reliable lubrication.
Timken discusses longer wind-turbine bearing life at WINDPOWER
Power producers, service companies, and distributors seeking technical solutions that can greatly extend the time between turbine rebuilds are encouraged to connect with The Timken Company at the 2017 American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) WINDPOWER show, May 22 to 25 to the Anaheim Convention Center (Booth # 3552). Timken is a global leader in bearings with…
Timken acquires AeroTorque and parent PT Tech
AeroTorque Corp., a U.S. manufacturing and engineering firm for torque damping products and torque monitoring for wind turbines, has been acquired by the Timken team. Timken engineers, manufactures, and markets bearings, gear drive systems, chain, belts, couplings, lubrication delivery systems and a variety of related services. A few year ago, AeroTorque also acquired PT Tech, Inc.,…
Lessons learned lead to new ideas in gearbox bearings
By Michelle Froese, Senior Editor Windpower Engineering & Development Gearboxes have long taken blame as the typical cause for a wind-turbine failure, and for good reason. Many gearboxes fail to pass the five-year mark without need for component repairs or full replacement. But when the wind industry first got its start, few considered the high…
Tips for extending bearing life in wind turbines
Gearbox reliability has improved remarkably in the last 10 years thanks to a better understanding of bearing loads. However, even high-quality components have a limited life expectancy in the wind industry so it is important to have a consistent maintenance plan in place. In this Wind Talk podcast, The Timken Company‘s Rick Brooks discusses new trends…
What different kinds of bearings are used in wind turbines?
A wide range of bearings perform different functions throughout a wind turbine. For instance:
Timken expands line of small-bore metric seals
The catalog is available online at Timken.com/catalogs and through the Timken catalog app at http://timkencatalogs.squawqr.com/.
Webinar: The Case for Case Carburized Bearings in Wind Turbines
This webinar was originally broadcast on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. Join Rob Budny, well-known bearing and gear expert, and president of RBB Engineering, and Rick Brooks, manager of Wind Energy Aftermarket at Timken, as they discuss why case carburized bearings do matter for wind turbine applications. In this webinar you will learn about: Review a case study…
New Timken bearing aimed right at wind turbine main shafts
Timken Tapered Double Inner (TDI) Roller Bearing is designed to extend bearing life and improve system performance for three-point mount wind turbines.