Durable bearing solutions for the wind turbine rotor

Graphic of a wind turbine with pitch bearings marked in blue

rothe erde® main bearings - Reliable products from one of the world market leaders

rothe erde® main bearings - Reliable products from one of the world market leaders

3D cross-sectional view of a multi-row cylindrical roller bearings

A main bearing must efficiently transmit the torque generated by wind power to the power generator, minimizing energy loss. It must also safely withstand high forces and tilting moments. Thus, the main bearing is the central component of the drive train concept.

Rothe Erde is in close cooperation with our customers, we develop the optimal bearing solution for the rotor shaft with a diameter of up to 6,500 millimeters in the following designs:

  • single-row designs,

  • multi-row designs,

  • clamped internals,

  • bolted internals,

  • case-hardened raceways or

  • slip-free induction-hardened raceways.

Our rothe erde® main bearings are always put through their paces before delivery: Utilizing the latest test methods and advanced analysis tools, we obtain crucial data on load capacity, service life, performance and utilization limits.

Our solutions

3D cross-sectional view of a single-row tapered roller bearing
Single-row tapered roller bearings
3D cross-sectional view of a double-row tapered roller bearing
Double-row tapered roller bearings
3D cross-sectional view of a single-row cylindrical roller bearing
Single-row cylindrical roller bearings
3D cross-sectional view of a multi-row cylindrical roller bearing
Multi-row cylindrical roller bearings
3D cross-sectional view of a toroidal roller bearing
Toroidal roller bearings
3D cross-sectional view of a spherical roller bearing
Spherical roller bearings
Looking for the optimal bearing solution for your wind turbine?
Contact us now

TRB-TRB – The new generation of main bearings

3D cross-sectional view of a TRB-TRB
TRB-TRB refers to an adjusted bearing arrangement (also called Main Bearing Arrangement /MBA or Main Bearing Unit /MBU) consisting of two tapered roller bearings (TRB).

TRB-TRB have the following properties:

  • long service life

  • high rigidity

  • low torsional resistance

  • high load carrying capacity

 

Both bearings consist of:

  • an inner ring

  • an outer ring

  • a set of rolling elements and

  • a cage.

What is a TRB-TRB?

Together with the shaft and housing, the two bearings form a preloaded bearing unit (also known as a Main Bearing Arrangement/MBA or Main Bearing Unit/MBU), allowing the transmission of high torques with a compact bearing size. The tapered lateral surfaces of the rolling elements ensure kinematically pure rolling on the raceways, while the correct choice of bearing preload guarantees a sufficient load zone and high rigidity. The different and individual contact angles of the two bearings optimize the distribution of external loads and enable the absorption of high radial and axial forces.

The slewing bearings are induction-hardened as standard using a process patented by Rothe Erde, but can also be supplied in bainitic or case-hardened versions. Production is possible at many of Rothe Erde’s international locations.

 

When is it beneficial to use a TRB-TRB?

TRB-TRBs, with their large span, are especially suitable for absorbing high torques. A significant advantage is the clamped bearing seat, which ensures simple and safe installation.

TRB-TRB arrangements offer a combination of high load capacity, high system stiffness and low friction, making them the ideal bearing solution for rotor shafts in wind turbines. Compared to other bearing types, e.g. moment bearings, the size and complexity can be significantly reduced, making TRB-TRB arrangements a cost-effective alternative.

Dr. Torben Terwey
Team Leader, Engineering/Rolling Bearings and Tribology

Advantages at a glance

  • Individuality

    Our bearings are custom-designed by Rothe Erde to meet the specific requirements of both onshore and offshore wind turbines.

  • Durability

    A long service life is achieved through meticulous design, careful material selection, and an effective hardening process, all of which address common damage mechanisms.

  • State-of-the-art

    We continuously develop our products through our own research facilities, collaborations with national and international research institutes, and in-house calculation and simulation programs.

Individuality

Our bearings are custom-designed by Rothe Erde to meet the specific requirements of both onshore and offshore wind turbines.

Durability

A long service life is achieved through meticulous design, careful material selection, and an effective hardening process, all of which address common damage mechanisms.

State-of-the-art

We continuously develop our products through our own research facilities, collaborations with national and international research institutes, and in-house calculation and simulation programs.