Hydrodynamic plain bearing technology is redefining wind turbine gearbox design, offering a more compact, cost-efficient and robust alternative to traditional roller bearings. With proven field performance and next-generation innovations already in development, it is setting new standards for reliability in modern drivetrains.
Since geared drivetrains are widely used in wind turbine applications, gearboxes have traditionally been equipped with roller bearings in all positions. In the early 2010s, feasibility studies began exploring the use of hydrodynamic plain bearings for these demanding conditions and their potential advantages quickly became evident.
Hydrodynamic plain bearings enable a more compact design due to their low radial space requirements, allowing for more torque-dense gearbox configurations within the same footprint. In addition, their simpler architecture, featuring fewer components, supports more efficient production and assembly processes, making them a cost-competitive alternative.