Market Demand Drives Development of New Solutions
With the growth of the wind industry and introduction of turbines of more than 1MW, greater loads and increased stresses are affecting mainshaft and gearbox bearing life. Damage and failure modes are occurring sooner than expected, and for many wind farm operators the cost of unexpected down-tower repairs is adding up. As a result, the industry is asking for longer life from mainshaft and gearbox bearings.
By Guillaume Badard, The Timken Company, France