Micro Wind Turbine Manufacturer Cuts Costs by €337,600 with NSK Bearings

By leveraging a comprehensive material substitution strategy and advanced long‑life lubrication technology, NSK delivered €337,600 in cost savings to a leading micro wind turbine manufacturer.

The project also yielded extended product life, enhanced reliability, and lower maintenance through the replacement of mixed‑brand bearings with NSK’s premium‑grade bearings and high‑performance long‑life grease.

NSK, a key bearing supplier to the wind turbine sector, was drawn into the project when the manufacturer struggled with prohibitively high bearing costs. The manufacturer faced a stark choice: either reduce purchasing and manufacturing expenses or halt the project.

An NSK engineer conducted an on‑site review of the turbine design, identifying several areas where unit build costs could be cut substantially. A detailed design justification report and bearing‑life calculations followed, underpinning the cost reductions and promising benefits such as simplified assembly, improved bearing performance, and extended bearing life.

Acting on NSK’s recommendations, the customer substituted NSK premium‑brand single‑row radial ball bearings for a mixed‑brand mix of single‑row radial and angular contact bearings. Lubricated with NSK’s long‑life grease—capable of over 200,000 operating hours versus 22,400 hours for the mixed‑brand setup—maintenance was dramatically reduced, keeping the micro turbine in service much longer. The quantified savings, combined with the overall performance gains from the NSK package, exceeded €337,000.

NSK’s cost‑saving program delivers similar results across all industry sectors, examining every aspect of bearing systems: design, application challenges, lubrication, and training.

The process begins with a detailed site survey, where NSK engineers engage with customers to understand specific challenges. Data collected is analyzed to generate tailored recommendations, which are then quantified in clear cost terms, demonstrating the expected savings for the customer.

NSK in Wind Energy

As a leading supplier to wind turbine manufacturers, NSK has deep expertise in the unique demands of wind‑energy bearings. The company is at the forefront of developing bearings that reduce size and weight in the latest multi‑stage planetary/helical gearboxes, enabling wind‑energy plants to scale up to 5 MW and beyond.

For more information, visit the NSK Web site at www.nsk.com.