The bearings have achieved zero failures across 500 wind turbines.
This makes the company the world’s first wind turbine OEM to achieve independent research, in-house production, and large-scale application of sliding bearings.
Key Role of Sliding Bearings in Wind Power
"Sliding bearings have long been a key innovation in the wind power industry, playing a crucial role in reducing friction and improving efficiency," said Mr. Lou Yimin, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Envision Energy.
"After five years of extensive research, development, and field testing, we have successfully integrated this technology into our wind turbine gearboxes, overcoming technical barriers set by international brands and achieving large-scale application. This success is a testament to our in-house R&D, manufacturing capabilities, and unwavering commitment to technological innovation."
R&D and Manufacturing at Envision Energy
Envision Energy established a CoE (Center of Excellence) for drivetrain gearboxes in Dortmund, Germany, and in 2019, formed a specialized team for sliding bearing R&D and pilot production.
This team successfully developed a direct energy deposition technology to apply bearing material directly to the planetary pin, enhancing the performance and durability of bearings.
Also read:The rise of recycled bearings
Benefits of Sliding Bearings in Wind Turbines
Sliding bearings improve turbine efficiency and extend the lifespan while reducing maintenance costs.
These bearings are more compact, have a simpler design, and their less error-prone operating principle make them superior to roller bearings when designed and executed correctly.
Envision Energy's Investment and Innovation
Over $14m was invested to test and verify the company’s bearings.
"The boundary conditions of sliding bearings, such as rotational speed and load, are directly influenced by wind turbine control logic," said Mr. Owen Yang, gearbox expert at Envision Energy. "We optimise the turbine control strategy to avoid risks such as high loads, low speeds, and insufficient lubrication, ensuring the bearings' reliability."
