SKF in solar and wind energy: bearings for generation applications

Deep groove ball bearings are among the most versatile and appear at many points in power generation equipment. In wind turbines they are used in generators, auxiliary gearboxes and yaw systems. In solar trackers, they support rotation axes and tilt adjustment mechanisms. They are suitable for moderate radial and axial loads, and their simple design facilitates assembly.

In energy applications, they are valued for their low friction and their ability to work at relatively high speeds. For example, a bearing such as 6010 or 6008 can appear in cooling fans or lubrication pumps. The 6026, larger, is used in main shafts of larger machines. The choice depends on the shaft diameter and expected loads.

To identify an SKF deep groove ball bearing, look at the engraving on the side face: you will see the series code, such as 6010, and the brand name. If the part has seals, you may see the suffix 2RS (rubber seal on both sides) or 2Z (metal shield on both sides). When requesting a quote, send the complete code and the bore, outer and width dimensions. If you only have the measurement, add a photo: there are several series with similar dimensions but different capacities.

Cylindrical roller bearings support high radial loads and are used in wind turbine gearboxes and transmission shafts. Their design with linear rollers allows uniform load distribution and reduces stress concentration. In wind energy, they appear in intermediate and high-speed stages of multipliers. They are also used in large generators.

A typical example is bearing N3055, which is mounted on shafts of considerable diameter. Bearings with RNU designation, such as RNU 305 or RNU 306, do not have an inner ring: the rollers roll directly on the shaft. When ordering them, it is key to indicate whether you need the version with or without inner ring.

To request a quote for an SKF cylindrical roller bearing, note the complete code on the part, for example N3055. It is also advisable to measure the bore, outer and width, and check whether it has a steel, brass or polyamide cage. A common mistake is confusing the RNU series with NU: RNU does not have an inner ring, so if your shaft already has a ground raceway, it may be the correct option. Send a photo of the old bearing to avoid confusion.

Spherical roller bearings are self-aligning: they support shaft misalignments without losing load capacity. In wind turbines they are used in the main shaft, where loads are high and tower deflections can cause misalignments. They also appear in planetary gearboxes. Their design with two rows of rollers and a spherical raceway in the outer ring gives them that flexibility.

Within this family there are sizes of different dimensions, such as 22325, 22361 or 23666, which are chosen according to shaft diameter and load. These bearings are often ordered with a tapered bore (suffix K) for mounting on an adapter sleeve. If your equipment uses a sleeve, remember to order the bearing with the K suffix and the corresponding sleeve.

When requesting a quote for an SKF spherical roller bearing, indicate the complete code, for example 22325, and whether it has a cylindrical or tapered bore. It is also useful to know the internal clearance: the C3 suffix indicates greater than normal clearance, common in applications with high temperatures or heavy loads. A frequent mistake is mounting the bearing without verifying housing alignment, which reduces its service life. Send photos of the current assembly so we can guide you.

Angular contact bearings support combined loads (radial and axial) and are used in electrical generators and gearboxes. Their design with a contact angle allows absorbing axial thrust in one direction, so they are usually mounted in pairs, face-to-face or tandem. In wind turbines, they appear on the generator shaft and in high-speed stages of the multiplier.

Examples of SKF codes in this category are 7417, 7453 and 7829. The contact angle is indicated by the suffix and influences axial load capacity and assembly rigidity. For energy applications, a larger angle is usually preferred if there are significant axial loads.

When ordering an SKF angular contact bearing, note the complete code and the contact angle if indicated. Also check whether it is single-row or double-row, and whether it has seals. A common mistake is mounting a single bearing when the design requires a pair: this can cause premature failures. If you have the assembly drawing or a photo of the mounting, send it so we can help you identify the correct configuration.

Y-bearings, also called inserts, are mounted in pillow block housings with a spherical seat and are used on low-speed shafts. In solar trackers, they are common on panel rotation axes, where loads are moderate and movement is slow. Their design with a spherical outer ring allows absorbing small mounting misalignments. They are fixed to the shaft with set screws or eccentric locking collars.

A typical insert is UC 216, which is mounted in a pillow block housing with a spherical seat. UC 315 is for larger shafts, and UC 212 for smaller shafts. These bearings usually have seals on both sides and come factory-lubricated. In solar energy applications, they are valued for their ease of mounting and low maintenance.

To request a quote for an SKF Y-bearing, indicate the complete code, for example UC 216, and the shaft diameter in inches or millimeters. It is also advisable to know the fixing type: with set screws or with eccentric locking collar. A common mistake is using an insert with a cylindrical bore when the shaft requires adapter sleeve mounting. Send a photo of the housing and shaft so we can confirm the correct reference.

Tapered roller bearings support large radial and axial loads, and are used in wind turbine gearboxes. Their design with tapered rollers and angled raceways allows absorbing axial thrust in one direction. They are usually mounted in pairs, face-to-face or tandem, to support loads in both directions. In wind energy, they appear in planetary stages and output shafts.

It is a common family in multiplier maintenance. Tapered roller bearings are identified by their series code, such as 302 or 322, followed by numbers indicating size. When ordering them, it is key to indicate whether they are single-row or double-row, and the contact angle if engraved.

When requesting a quote for an SKF tapered roller bearing, send the complete code on the part and the bore, outer and width dimensions. It is also useful to know whether it has a steel or polymer cage. A common mistake is confusing the metric series with the inch series: verify the units before ordering. If you have the old bearing, take photos of both sides so we can identify the exact reference.

SKF rod ends and spherical joints are used in solar panel orientation mechanisms. They are spherical connections that allow angular movements and support loads in various directions. In solar trackers, they connect linear actuators with the moving structure.

These components are not bearings strictly speaking, but they fulfill a similar support and guidance function. They are identified by their series code, such as GE, followed by numbers. When ordering them, it is important to indicate the bore diameter, width and thread type if they have one. It is also advisable to know whether they require periodic lubrication or are self-lubricating.

To request a quote for an SKF rod end or spherical joint, send the complete code if it is engraved on the part, or the main dimensions. A common mistake is confusing a radial rod end with an axial one: verify the load direction before ordering. If you have the mechanism drawing or a photo of the mounted part, send it so we can help you identify the correct reference.