Challenges on rolling bearings in wind turbines

Wind turbines belong to the few renewable energy sources, that have seen a remarkable growth during the past years and both the yearly installed power and the power per installed turbine is expected to grow further. New turbines will have to be erected at remote and arduous locations, increasing the challenge on the performance of bearings and other drive train components. In this paper different drive train concepts are reviewed, the current and future requirements on the bearings discussed, and experiences shared. A recommendation on the preferred way of working and research and development needs is given.