Tidal power plant with slewing bearings drawn in blue

Tidal energy - High-quality bearing solutions for renewable energy from the sea

Special power plants, buoys, turbines and other tidal stream technologies convert the energy that is created by the waves and currents of the sea into renewable energy. The current and tidal power plants, as well as the other technologies, are exposed to harsh marine operating environments. This is partially caused by the salty water, and partially by the powerful ebbs and flows of the tide. Thus, the impermeability and protection against corrosion of components and bearings are of utmost importance when building the systems.

Rothe Erde develops and manufactures robust, high-quality and durable bearing solutions in the tidal power sector that can withstand even the most difficult conditions:

  • Main bearings

  • Pitch bearings

  • Yaw bearings

Tidal energy is a renewable energy source that will become increasingly important over the next few decades, not least because this type of energy generation is particularly environmentally friendly and sustainable. Rothe Erde is at your side as an experienced and reliable partner from the development of the prototype to series production.

Our product solutions for tidal energy

A Three-row cylindrical bearing infront of a white backround

Three-row cylindrical bearing

A double four-point bearing infront of a white backround

Double four-point bearings

A four point bearing in silver against a white background

Four-point bearing

Technical drawing of a tapered roller bearing

psl® single-row tapered roller bearings

Technical drawing of a double row taper roller bearing

psl® double-row tapered roller bearings

Technical drawing in silver and of gold spherical roller bearing

psl® spherical roller bearings

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Overview of your advantages

  • Reliable sealing solutions

    Protecting the slewing bearing from contamination and the ingress of saltwater has the highest priority. Our sealing solutions also ensure that the lubricant cannot leak.

  • From prototype to series production

    We aim to be your reliable partner in the long term - from the beginning of the project to the successful manufacturing of the bearing in series.

  • Bearings in large dimensions

    Our main and pitch bearings are manufactured with a diameter of up to 6,500 mm in various designs.

  • High-precision measuring methods

    The bearing's load capacity and stiffness are precisely determined and checked using modern measurement methods developed in-house.

Reliable sealing solutions

Protecting the slewing bearing from contamination and the ingress of saltwater has the highest priority. Our sealing solutions also ensure that the lubricant cannot leak.

From prototype to series production

We aim to be your reliable partner in the long term - from the beginning of the project to the successful manufacturing of the bearing in series.

Bearings in large dimensions

Our main and pitch bearings are manufactured with a diameter of up to 6,500 mm in various designs.

High-precision measuring methods

The bearing's load capacity and stiffness are precisely determined and checked using modern measurement methods developed in-house.

The compact model, the excellent power-to-weight ratio, the open center and the optional integrated gearing make rothe erde® slewing bearings the perfect component for current power plants. We use special sealing systems with seal running surfaces made of stainless steel. Our products have proven themselves over many years of use in the offshore industry – even in rough sea conditions.

Stefan Sünning
Head of Industry Account Management

Main bearing, pitch bearing or yaw bearing – The suitable bearing solution for your tidal power plant

Tidal power harnesses the tremendous forces of the ebb and flow of the tide (the kinetic energy). Current power plants generate electricity from a current speed of 2 to 2.5 m per second. Here, the rotor drives an electricity generator at a very low speed.

The benefits are self-evident: The regular currents allow for accurate forecasts and a consistent energy supply. Moreover, in contrast to solar or wind energy, this is not dependent on weather conditions.

Together, we develop the right solution for your application. Rothe Erde takes on even the most difficult challenges.

Pitch bearing

Pitch bearings, also called blade bearings, enable the movement of the rotor blades. They connect the rotor hub to the rotor blade. Due to constant load changes caused by the tides, the blade bearing is subjected to high stress. To achieve an optimal power output of the generator at different current strengths, the working angle of the rotor blades must be adjustable.

The high-quality rothe erde® pitch bearings have, among others, the following attributes:

  • Preloaded raceway

  • Wear-resistant cage inserts  

  • Integrated internal or external gearing

In addition, pitch bearings are manufactured with defined rotational resistances. This is a measure to prevent unwanted corrugation.

We manufacture blade bearings with a diameter of up to 8,000 millimeters.

Typical products: three-row cylindrical roller bearing, four-pint bearing, double four-point bearing

Main bearing

In a current and tidal power plant, the forces of the sea have a direct effect on the bearing in the rotor shaft. rothe erde® main bearings transmit the torques to the power generator with as little loss as possible. The rotor, which rotates continuously through 360 degrees, is constantly exposed to high dynamic loads. Main bearings from Rothe Erde safely support the high forces and tilting moments that act on the bearing and thus ensure operational reliability in permanent operation.

The load-bearing, robust and durable rothe erde® main bearings are available in the following designs:

  • Clamped or bolted mounting

  • Case-hardened or slip-free induction-hardened raceways

Our rotor bearings are manufactured with a diameter of up to 6,500 millimeters.

Typical products: three-row cylindrical roller bearing, one-row and two-row tapered roller bearings, spherical roller bearing

Yaw bearing

The yaw bearing is also called the tower bearing, as it allows the turbine building to rotate on the top of the tower. It mainly performs adjustment movements and enables the turbine building to be tracked. If the direction of the current changes, the turbine building of the tidal power plant has to be adjusted so that the loads that occur can be transferred to the tower.

Rothe Erde works closely with you to develop the right solution with a diameter of up to 8,000 millimeters.

Typical products: three-row cylindrical roller bearing, four-point bearing, double four-point bearing

Time and cost savings through high quality lubricants.

The lubricant in a main or pitch bearing reduces contact between the rolling elements and the rolling surface, consequently minimizing friction, reducing wear and ensuring longevity. They also protect the bearing from corrosion, contamination and seal the internal space, which is particularly important in harsh marine conditions. Changing lubricants is time-consuming and expensive. At Rothe Erde we only use the highest quality products for lubrication, making our slewing bearings very robust and durable.

Areas of application for our main bearings, pitch bearings and yaw bearings

Rothe Erde contributes its know-how and years of experience from the offshore industry to manufacture products for a wide variety of applications. There are various ways to generate tidal current. Our bearings can be used in the following applications:

  • Horizontal axis turbine

  • Vertical axis turbine

Special sealing systems with mating surfaces made of stainless steel are used for all applications. The slewing bearings accommodate all axial and radial forces as well as the resulting tilting moments in a single ready-to-install and self-retaining bearing unit. The compact design, excellent power to weight ratio, the open center and optional integrated gearing make them ideal components for bearing arrangements in tidal power plants. Depending on the type of plant, main, pitch or yaw bearings are used.

Choosing the right slewing bearing manufacturer is crucial to the success of your project

To generate electricity from ocean energy, important components of the application must rotate as smoothly as possible. The rotation is created by specially manufactured slewing bearings. This essential component must meet high requirements: it must withstand harsh weather conditions over the long term, prevent the ingress of seawater, at the same time prevent the leakage of lubricants and, above all, withstand the high load conditions. The right choice of slewing bearing manufacturer is crucial here.

The challenge is to find an experienced, reliable bearing manufacturer who can provide professional advice on choosing the right product, manufacture it locally and deliver it in accordance with the contract. Our products prove themselves every day around the world in a wide variety of industrial sectors. As the world market leader for slewing bearings, Rothe Erde is at your side as a reliable partner.

Discover our extensive offer and contact us without obligation via our contact form. We will be happy to advise you!