8/31/2011 1:00:00 AM |
Sustainable Solutions for Wind Energy |
Comments |
Hans Landin |
It’s been a recurring issue … massive, precision-engineered bearing and sealing systems are mission-critical components within wind turbines, but their size and weight make it virtually impossible to test them in real-life operating conditions. Yet, full-scale, in-field simulation testing is exactly what’s needed to improve wind-turbine performance and efficiency and to ultimately, lower operating costs.
Once again, Timken is leading the way. We are helping build a unique
Wind Energy Research and Development Center focused on advanced development of bearing systems in wind turbines. This is a university/industry partnership positioned to best utilize academic and applied knowledge and expertise.
When completed approximately one year from now, the 18,000-square-foot, (1672.254 square meters) state-of-the-art facility will be a first. It will allow us to rapidly assess and qualify new solutions for ultra-large bearings, seals, lubrication and condition monitoring in systems that simulate the operating conditions of large, multi-megawatt wind turbines.
We’ll be able to test bearing sizes over 3m, maximum load magnitudes based on 10MW turbine sizes and maximum wind-turbine rotation speeds of 30 RPMs.
This facility will provide unique, sophisticated testing. What that means for you is more reliable, more cost effective, higher-performing products, services and solutions – and ultimately, that means confidence based on peace of mind.
Timken puts it customers at the center of everything we do. Quality is the cornerstone of our brand promise. And we’re focused on continuously advancing energy-efficient, durable performance in virtually every kind of machinery. You’ll see this commitment to quality and innovation proudly proclaimed on
Timken.com.
Our investment in the new Wind Energy R&D Center propels these values into action.
We’re committed to engineering excellence, to advancing the wind-energy industry and to you. I’m excited about the possibilities our new Wind Energy R&D Center represents and I look forward to exploring ways to use its advanced capabilities to transform your wind operations.
What UltraWind tapered roller bearing or other large bearing simulation-test data do you look most forward to once Timken’s new Wind Energy R&D Center is fully operational?