Dark armor – Black oxidation for wind turbine bearings
In the relentless pursuit of superior turbine bearing performance and durability, manufacturers are turning to surface treatments. Among the frontrunners is black oxide treatment, a method that has surged in popularity due to its many benefits. Explore this article to learn about the inner workings of black oxidation and its impact on turbine bearings.
The sound of silence – Quiet running bearings
Noise in wind turbines does more than disrupt the environment; it is also perceived as a warning sign of potential issues with the turbine generator. SKF has put a lot of thought into addressing these issues through SKF Quiet Running deep groove ball bearings. But what sets these bearings apart as potentially game-changing?
El Cóndor Pasa – From bird wings to wind turbines?
Imagine soaring high above the Andes, riding the thermals without a flap of your wings for hundreds of miles — this is the daily journey of the Andean condor, the world’s largest flying bird. With wings stretching up to almost four meters, this impressive glider has inspired a significant technological breakthrough in wind energy.
The next wave of floating wind – Counter-rotating turbines
Amidst the surge of innovation in renewable energy, a Norwegian startup, World Wide Wind (WWW), is making waves with a groundbreaking floating wind turbine design. With the recent approval to test its prototype off the southwest coast of Norway, this Oslo-based pioneer could be steering the world towards a future where the energy of our oceans is harnessed with unparalleled efficiency.
Pushing the limits – Record-breaking wind turbines
In 2023, wind turbine OEMs continued to captivate attention with their innovative models, setting new records in generation capacity and turbine size. This article offers an overview of the most impressive wind turbines that marked the year.
High-flying innovation – Karahka wind farm’s hybrid towers
The Nordex Group is getting a lot of attention in the renewable energy sector with its latest project at the Karahka wind farm in Finland. The project stands out as Nordex’s first venture into using its concrete-steel hybrid towers. These towers are impressively tall, reaching a height of 168 meters, a record for Nordex installations. But what advantages do they bring?
Furious seas, steady solutions – Predictive maintenance for North Sea wind turbines
The North Sea is home to numerous wind turbines which face unique challenges due to the hostile environment. However, with the advent of advanced diagnostic tools like the SKF Multilog IMx machine monitoring devices, the maintenance and efficiency of these wind turbines have seen significant improvements.
From deep blue to green – Advancements fueling offshore wind power
Once regarded as an ambitious and cost-intensive venture, offshore wind farms have undergone transformative changes in recent years. They now offer not only a sustainable solution but also an economically viable one. This article explores the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of wind energy capture.
From worn to reborn – Remanufacturing wind turbine bearings
Bearing replacement is inevitable over time, however, there is a more economical and sustainable option — remanufacturing. We have previously explored the concept and its benefits, and in this article, we outline the steps involved in the process.