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Schaeffler Solutions Increase Efficiency in Wind Energy Applications
Schaeffler supports the global expansion of wind energy with technologies designed for maximum reliability, high power density, and sustainable operation. At WindEnergy Hamburg, held September 26-29 in Hamburg, Germany, the company highlighted its strong position in the global wind power bearing market and presents a broad portfolio of components, system solutions and services tailored to customer needs across the entire value chain. Wind energy is one of the key technologies driving the energy transition. As a trusted technology partner, Schaeffler understands the needs of its customers in the wind industry and develops solutions together with them to support the reliable and efficient operation of wind turbines. “As wind turbines continue to grow in size and power, reliability is crucial. What matters is not the next record-breaking machine, but excellence in innovation, technology, manufacturing and logistics – capabilities that drive sustainable economic success and enable our customers to succeed,” said Bernd Endres, vice president Business Unit Large Roller Bearings & Sector Wind at Schaeffler.
Working in close partnership with turbine and gearbox manufacturers, the company supports wind turbine development through state-of-the art system simulation, realistic test-bench testing, and field measurement campaigns, to validate products and systems. In 2025, Schaeffler commissioned a high-performance test rig for rotor bearings in Lindø, Denmark, strengthening its role as a system partner for the wind power industry. Bearings can be tested in their original size and surrounding structure, including lubrication and sealing – even for systems in the range of more than 20 MW. “We support our partners along the entire value chain – from the first product sketch through development and production to maintenance during operation,“ added Mr. Endres “We are a wind turbine bearing supplier with a truly global footprint. This unique characteristic ensures global availability for customers while securing shorter delivery and response times in every market worldwide, at the same time considering regional specifics and local proximity to our customers.“ The increasing demands on modern wind turbines require a high power density in the gearbox. Parallel-shaft gear stages transmit high loads with precision and reliability. Schaeffler’s robust bearing solutions in X-life quality for spur gear stages ensure efficient operation – even under changing wind and load conditions.
The G-series deep groove ball bearings for generator applications are designed to meet the requirements of generator OEMs. Instead of a machined brass cage, the G-series uses a steel cage. This results in less friction while offering an improved relubrication capability and increased grease capacity within the bearing, thus leading to higher machine availability. The bearings are also available in current-insulating variants: either as hybrid bearings or with an aluminum oxide coating. Also on display at WindEnergy Hamburg were Schaeffler’s Arcanol LOAD400 and LOAD460 greases tailored for the main bearings of wind turbines. These bearings experience high loads, low temperatures and long service intervals, so reliable lubrication is essential. Arcanol greases provide strong protection against wear, corrosion and moisture, help reduce grease consumption, and are tested to Schaeffler’s highest quality standards. Schaeffler’s experienced application engineers support customers in selecting the right Arcanol product for the complex tribological interaction between grease and rolling bearing, ensuring efficient and robust turbine operation even under harsh conditions.
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Schaeffler positions itself as a strategic development partner in the wind industry and uses Closed Loop Engineering to support customers beyond bearing solutions for onshore and offshore applications. 
To make rotor bearings of new multi-megawatt turbines as compact as possible, adjusted bearing arrangements are increasingly being used. Beyond the bearings itself, Schaeffler offers the “Premesy” preload measurement system, which helps ensure that the correct preload is maintained during assembly and operation. This results in far greater reliability in the operation of large wind turbines. 
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