Premature drivetrain failures are a common cause of wind turbine downtime. However, the cause of these failures is not always clear. SKF is supporting the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct a study that could provide the wind energy sector with vital insights into drivetrain defects.

Remanufacturing in wind energy is a relatively new phenomenon. When remanufacturing is mentioned in the sector, most would associate the process with bearings. But the remanufacturing trend is gathering speed and lubrication systems are the next component identified as an area where operators could significantly reduce costs.

Bearing remanufacturing centers help wind farm operators to extend the service life of their components in a cost- and time-effective manner. The Wind Farm Management Blog previously explained how bearings for wind turbines are remanufactured. This time, we provide a look inside one of SKF’s facilities in the USA, showing key aspects of the remanufacturing process in a video.

When a bearing approaches the end of its service life, it may seem logical to replace it with a new one. This has been the attitude in the wind energy sector for many years. But things might be about to change as remanufacturing bearings offers organizations the chance to become more competitive and boost uptime.

On September 25–28, WindEnergy Hamburg 2018 – the world’s most important wind energy event – took place. The 2018 edition was the biggest yet and had plenty to offer attendees. Whether visitors wanted to learn about innovative new products or attend panel discussions about the future of the sector, there was something for everyone. Here’s a recap of the event.

WindEnergy Hamburg is fast approaching. The leading exhibition will showcase numerous innovations, from condition monitoring systems to bearings for the wind energy industry. What can attendees expect from the event and what will SKF be exhibiting?

Bearings are responsible for ensuring wind turbines keep on turning. They are active in numerous parts of machinery and play different roles. Therefore, there is a wide variety in every turbine. What are some of the key bearings and how are they used?

There are a diverse range of career paths in wind energy. As a result, there is a wide variety of responsibilities to ensure reliable wind farm operation. The first part of this series looks at the duties of a wind turbine service technician.

Offshore wind farms represent an opportunity to generate electricity much more efficiently while protecting the environment. Winds are strongest further out at sea, but conventional offshore turbines can only be installed at limited depths. Consequently, floating wind turbines are emerging as a trend.