The role of slewing rings in wind turbines
A wind turbine's output depends on two rotations: the nacelle turning to face the wind, and the blades pitching to the right angle for the wind speed. Both run on slewing ring bearings, precision bearings that carry the axial, radial and moment loads of the rotor while turning smoothly and accurately. A bearing that is not built precisely enough can unbalance the turbine and, in the worst case, cause a system failure that is both dangerous and expensive.
What slewing rings do in a turbine
- Blade pitch control: adjusting the blade angle to capture the most energy and to protect the turbine in high wind.
- Yaw control: rotating the nacelle so the rotor always faces the wind.
- Carrying the loads: withstanding large axial, radial and moment loads for many years.
- Limiting wear and maintenance: good materials and precise manufacturing keep friction and wear down.
Why customization matters
Every site is different, from coastal locations with high sustained winds to inland sites with variable gusts. A bearing matched to the turbine and the site runs more efficiently and lasts longer. SlewPro slewing rings can be customized in:
- Bearing design: single-, double- or triple-row configurations for the load.
- Materials: high-strength steels for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Mounting: bolt-hole size and placement to suit the turbine.
- Gearing: geared or non-geared, with precision-cut teeth.
- Sealing: seals that keep out weather, dust and contaminants.
What to check when choosing a bearing and a manufacturer
- Will the support structure distribute the load evenly?
- Are the mounting bolts and the bolt-hole pattern right for the load, with holes evenly spaced?
- Is the mounting surface flat and free of distortion and debris?
- Does the manufacturer offer enough designs to suit this turbine and the next one?
Our specifying checklist covers these in more detail. Properly installed and maintained, slewing ring bearings rarely give problems beyond normal wear.
Find the right slewing ring for your turbine
SlewPro slewing rings are engineered in the U.S. and backed by in-house engineering. Explore the 21, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 100 Series, look up the equivalent for a bearing you use today, or contact us about a custom design.