Working with designers of a new type of wind turbine gearbox, SKF engineers improved several aspects of their tapered roller bearing to create a low friction tapered roller bearing that reduces performance loss. In initial rig testing, the bearing is said to have a minimum of 30% lower friction torque than a conventional bearing design. These improvements were achieved by tightening bearing specifications and optimizing the bearing internal geometry, then meeting the refined specifications with improved manufacturing techniques. Specifically, SKF was able to optimize the number of rollers and modify the raceway, reducing weight of rotating parts by 10% – without affecting performance. Available later in 2007, the initial size range will be 220 to 600 mm outside diameter.

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