Precise bearing preload from installation to operation – awarded with the WIND FUTURE AWARD 2021 

When setting the rotor bearing preload in wind turbines for large bearings, a few micrometers make all the difference. Even small variations could lead to increased bearing wear and, as a result, to bearing failure. This puts pressure on the manufacturer (OEM) to determine the precise preload values needed. The bearing preload is often set with the support of manual measurements for verification of the correct preload values. Manual measurements and the fact that the measurement of fits and bearing seats can be difficult mean increased sources of error and therefore can potentially affect the bearing service life. For this reason we developed Premesy. This innovative preload measurement system records axial displacements in rolling bearings and, for the first time ever, converts them to the corresponding bearing preload accurately and precisely – even when in operation. In addition, the documented measurement results serve the OEM as quality verification.