SKF is set to showcase its latest innovations in wind turbine bearing systems at the 16th VDI conference on slide and rolling bearings, taking place in Schweinfurt. With sessions focused on sensor technology, simulation, and large-scale validation testing, the event offers valuable insights for professionals involved in wind farm management and design.
VDI, the Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure), is one of Europe’s largest engineering organizations. Known for its technically rigorous events, VDI brings together experts, researchers, and OEMs to share knowledge and foster innovation across a wide range of engineering sectors, including renewable energy.
Smart bearings for smarter turbines
On 3 June, SKF will lead a technical session titled “Innovative use of sensor-integrating rolling elements in main bearings of wind turbines for data-based field validation and optimization of simulation models”. Scheduled for 16:30 under the topic Condition monitoring – Wind turbine main bearings, the session will feature .
He will present how sensorized rolling elements can measure load, rotational speed, and temperature inside the main bearings of operating wind turbines. The innovative use of this sensor system offers a transformative approach to understanding actual operating conditions, improving the simulation model’s ability to represent reality, and validating wind turbine main bearings.
Bearing design for 25 MW turbines
On 4 June at 13:45, SKF will focus on bearing solutions for 25 MW wind turbines during a session in the large bearings category. The presentation, titled “Rolling bearings in 25 MW wind turbines – Challenges in TRB main shaft bearing design”, will be given by Philipp Kirchner, Product Development Engineer at SKF.
This session will explore full-scale testing of tapered roller bearings designed for next-generation wind turbines. Topics include innovative methods for recording bearing kinematics and cage loads and how real-world test data is used to validate and improve simulation models.
Behind the scenes at SKF Schweinfurt
A highlight of the conference is the guided tour of SKF’s Sven Wingquist Test Center in Schweinfurt, taking place on 4 June at 15:30. The tour includes a visit to the world’s most advanced facility for large-size bearing testing.
Tour highlights include:
- a focus on wind-specific bearing test projects, particularly for bearing pairs used in turbines rated above 25 MW
- demonstrations of advanced testing and measurement equipment used in wind turbine applications
- insights into SKF’s technical legacy and approach to large-scale validation
What it means for wind farm operators
As wind turbines grow in size and complexity, bearing systems must be smarter, stronger, and more precisely engineered. SKF’s presentations at the VDI conference highlight how integrated sensors and full-scale testing can improve simulation accuracy and field performance. For those managing wind farms, these technologies offer a pathway to increased uptime, reduced risk, and optimized asset performance across the turbine lifecycle.
Further details about the conference are available at: vdi-wissensforum.de/gleit-und-waelzlagerungen
