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.
Timken is a global leader in bearings with a large portfolio of aftermarket upgrade solutions for turbine gearboxes and main shafts.
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 McCormick Place in Chicago. Attendees can discuss highly engineered solutions with Timken experts (visit Booth #3620), which can help turbines run uninterrupted.
- “Our wind-power business is optimized top to bottom for the customer,” said Rick Brooks, wind energy sales manager for Timken. “It starts with unmatched technical expertise and extends to our many investments in production capacity on three continents. From North America to Europe to Asia, we are the power behind the power for several large operations, including most of the world’s tallest offshore turbines. It’s why Timken is built for the industry’s biggest ambitions.”
Timken works side-by-side with many of the world’s leading power producers, turbine manufacturers and gearbox makers, and this close collaboration has produced a portfolio of solutions focused on extending the time between drivetrain rebuilds.
At WINDPOWER 2018, attendees can learn more about:
- An expanded selection of field-proven Timken TDI bearings. As modular turbines increase in size, standard spherical mainshaft bearings have difficulty handling higher thrust loads. Timken designed a stronger answer in a Tapered Double Inner (TDI) roller mainshaft bearing as a direct drop-in, higher-performing, more reliable solution.
- Extend generator bearing life. Timken is expanding its bearing product line for wind energy with deep groove ball bearings for generators. There are two deep groove ball bearing options — one with insulated coating and another with hybrid (ceramic) balls. Both have been shown to reduce electricity arcing across the bearing.
- Controlling gearbox loads to extend life. In turbines, shocks are particularly tough for bearings as rollers do not have time to reposition before they accelerate into the load zone. The WindTC from AeroTorque is an innovative torsional control device that reduces this damaging loading in the drivetrain. It is easily retrofitted onto the generator shaft and adapted to the existing coupling assembly—no movement of the generator is required.
- Making a more reliable gearbox connection. The right coupling between the gearbox and generator can transmit torque while protecting attached components from overload and leakage currents. Lovejoy couplings have an anti-flail device and use an integrated electrical isolation joint to prevent generator eddy current damage to gearbox bearings.
- Smoother-running turbines. Many wind farm owners aren’t sure they’re using the optimal bearing grease. Timken has developed a special grease formulation to suit unique needs, helping customers select just the right mix of high-temp, anti-wear, water-resistant additives. In addition, a Groeneveld automated lubrication delivery system that remotely dispenses precise amounts of grease will be featured at WINDPOWER 2018.
- Maintaining wind turbines. Qualified to manage uptower wind generator and gearbox services, H&N Wind provides nationwide service solutions. H&N Wind is a leader in large correctives with three generator repair shops and has an advanced uptower oil changing service.
The AWEA WINDPOWER 2018 exhibition brings top-tier speakers, world-class education, cutting-edge technologies and premium networking opportunities to thousands of industry professionals. The annual gathering is the largest wind energy conference in North America.
Visit windpowerexpo.org for conference details
Filed Under: Bearings, News
