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The large wind turbines that have become a familiar sight across the UK landscape over the last few years are now set to be joined by smaller generating units, both grid - connected and standalone, as power generation becomes more localised, especially in rural areas.
Small wind turbines are usually defined as having a capacity of up to 50kW, with a typical blade diameter of at least 2m. The requirements of small wind turbines are identical to their larger cousins, namely: high efficiency, high reliability, low noise and minimum maintenance. Noise requirements are a particular area of focus in small wind turbine design, especially regarding sites that are located adjacent to residential or commercial properties. With constant blade and main shaft rotation, bearings are a critical factor in achieving reduced noise across these conurbations. NSK has been involved in the design and specification of bearings for small wind turbines from their inception, and the resulting experience and expertise gained is helping designers and manufacturers to achieve optimum outputs and reliability from their small wind turbines, both on existing designs and on new developments that seek to achieve even higher levels of efficiency and reliability.
Irrespective of whether a turbine is large or small, the main shaft bearings that transmit rotary motion from the blades to the generator are the most critical bearing component in the turbine design. Small wind turbines generally employ either deep groove ball bearings or spherical roller bearings as main shaft bearings: the choice of bearing type depending on the design and rating of the turbine. If the loading permits, deep groove ball bearings provide a reliable and cost effective bearing option.
NSK Self Lube® housed bearing units are widely used across the small wind turbine sector, because of their ability to reduce bearing (component) complexity and mounting costs. Ready assembled to bolt into place, Self-Lube units are easy to mount and able to accommodate initial misalignment of up to 2 degrees. They are fitted with seals and are factory charged with a suitable amount of lubricant, which can be replenished via a grease nipple provided on the bearing housing.
In addition to their installation advantages, a key operational benefit of NSK
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| 30316 NACHI | 80 | 170 | 39 |
| E32216J NACHI | 80 | 140 | 33 |