Waukesha Bearings has developed a new bearing built for durability, with a modular design that is reported to easily scale to accommodate larger wind turbine models.
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.—A new bearing introduced by Waukesha Bearings® is specifically engineered for wind turbine main shafts and designed to enhance turbine reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and streamline installation.
Waukesha Bearings, part of Dover Precision Components and Dover, announced the launch of its NordAlign™ bearing in an April press release, describing it as “groundbreaking technology.” The company is known for its design and manufacturing of advanced fluid film bearings and magnetic bearing systems.
“Waukesha Bearings is committed to advancing technologies that not only improve efficiency and performance but also reduce operational costs for our customers,” said Chris Johnson, vice president and general manager of Engineered Bearings, in the release. “The introduction of the NordAlign bearing represents a significant step forward in wind turbine technology and aligns with our mission to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.”
According to Waukesha Bearings, NordAlign bearings are built for durability and reliability, often outlasting existing main bearing options. Tilt pads are reported to dynamically adjust to radial and axial shaft movements, helping optimize load distribution and extending lifespan. When maintenance and repairs are required, NordAlign bearing pads can be replaced uptower, eliminating the need for expensive jack-up vessels and cranes.
The modular design is said to easily scale to accommodate larger wind turbine models. The optimized pad shape allows for straightforward integration into the nacelle, simplifying installation whether retrofitted to existing equipment or installed in a new application, the company said in the release.
“NordAlign bearings deliver high performance across a wide range of operating conditions, including assembly, low-speed idling, and extreme events,” the release stated. “To meet the unique demands of wind applications, Waukesha Bearings uses its in-house materials development and testing expertise to create TruTech® engineered polymer, specially formulated to maximize wear resistance and enhance performance, even in harsh operating environments.”
Waukesha Bearings designs and manufactures engineered hydrodynamic bearings, active magnetic bearing systems, and high-performing seal technologies. The company’s products are reported to be optimized for top performance in the oil and gas, power generation, marine, and industrial markets. They are also engineered to provide low power consumption, reduced operating temperatures, and increased reliability and efficiency, the company said.
“Typical applications include gas, steam, and hydro turbines, centrifugal gas compressors, gearboxes, pumps, and motors,” the release stated.