It’s easy to see that there is little future in fossil fuels. Things like coal, oil, and petroleum are natural materials, but they are natural materials that take millions of years to form. As a result, there has been a massive push in recent years to discover viable alternate options to using fossil fuels. Wind turbines are major part of this new energy strategy, and bearings are a critical component of turbines. As a result, several makers of linear, roller, and ball bearings are becoming involved in the research for a viable source of clean, replenishable energy. Some manufacturers are teaming up to produce new types of bearings specifically for alternative energy applications, while others are working on developing seals, lubricants, and other essential components.
The Timken Company, makers of Timken bearings, teamed up with XEMC Hunan Bearings Co. to produce large-bore bearings for use in wind turbines. In 2010, the joint venture involving these two companies succeeded in delivering its very initial shipment of the very large-bore ball bearings essential to manufacture wind turbines. As a result, production of these critical green energy sources is underway, paving the way for the long term of renewable energy. Afterward, Schaeffler Group, the company who produces FAG bearings, launched their design for crafting main shaft bearings for wind turbine use.
As a result of the recently expanded curiosity in alternative energy sources, other manufacturers of wind turbine parts, including bearings, have attempted to make their mark on the industry. SKF bearings, sealing, and lubrication can be discovered in several models of wind turbine, including their high-performance roller bearings specifically for wind turbine gear boxes. Nachi bearings and seals are also found in wind turbines, while Fafnir bearings and bearings from other manufacturers often find their way into solar arrays and other alternative energy instruments. These bearings allow wind turbines to work easily, with nominal maintenance, and make it easy for solar panels to track the sun and produce energy effectively. Others reduce friction in gear boxes, or are critical components of the machinery used to manufacture turbines and solar panels. Bearings are intensely involved in every element of the alternative energy scene.
Without roller and ball bearings, the energy revolution may not even be possible. Manufacturers like the Schaeffler Group, Timken Company, and SF bearings produce the solutions that manufacturers of wind turbines and solar arrays need to reduce friction, and help their machines operate smoothly.