NTN : Installation of “WIND LAB.” Testing Machine for Wind Turbine Extra-large Bearings

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has installed "WIND LAB.," the world's largest testing machine that allows testing of actual extra-large bearings in order to improve technical development of main shaft bearings of offshore wind turbines that are expected to increase in demand around the world into the future.

Wind turbine is increasing in popularity worldwide from an environmental conservation perspective as it is a form of clean, renewable energy with no CO2 emissions. As demand for electricity increases even further, larger turbines aimed at improving turbine efficiency and sudden growth in offshore wind turbine chiefly around Europe have been forecasted.

In addition to main shaft bearings, one of the key components that make up a wind turbine, NTN develops and supplies all bearings used in components such as reducers, gearboxes and power generators. An extremely high level of technical skill is required for main shaft bearings used to support the rotation of blades with a diameter that exceeds 100 m. Main shaft bearings for larger wind turbines such as those used in offshore wind turbine must have a higher power output and be able to withstand severe installation environments. An even higher level of quality and reliability is essential, as defects in bearings not only interrupt power production, but also require large cranes for replacement work which can lead to major costs and further losses.

NTN has utilized its testing technology that it has fine-tuned during past bearing development and developed in-house the world's largest testing machine "WIND LAB." that allows testing of main shaft bearings up to 4.2 m outer diameter, and installed it at the Advanced Technology R&D Center (Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture).

"WIND LAB." applies loads to bearings in vertical and horizontal directions using six hydraulic cylinders to reproduce the conditions that actual wind turbines are used in, to conduct detailed technical analysis and specification testing of bearings. In addition to testing under ordinary conditions, testing is also possible with load conditions under extreme situations, and the machine is also compatible with various bearing types such as spherical roller bearings and tapered roller bearings for a multitude of different testing to suit customer requirements and wind turbine models. "WIND LAB." also incorporates the Condition Monitoring System for wind turbines (CMS*1) known as "Wind Doctor®" to allow monitoring of bearing condition during testing, improving bearing functionality and further enhancing facility diagnostic technologies using CMS.

NTN conducts research and development at the Industrial Machinery Technical Development Center (Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture) to meet requirements of wind turbine manufacturers in Japan and overseas. The company has also established a mass-production system for various bearings such as extra-large bearings in Japan and overseas, including Kuwana Works (Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture) in order to meet increases in global demand. NTN joins Tokyo University and other institutions participating in the R&D for Advanced Practical Use of Wind Turbine (Smart Maintenance Technology R&D)*2 run by NEDO*3, and is working on demonstration tests of 40 CMS installed in wind turbines around the country.

Installing and utilizing the world's largest testing machine "WIND LAB." will better help cement NTN's leading position as a bearing manufacturer, and further increase the business in the wind turbine sector.

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