SKF Explorer class ball bearings provide outstanding performance and service life. These improvements begin with using an extremely clean bearing steel combined with a unique heat treatment process. In addition to that a revised cage, optimized internal geometry and surface finishes, and increased uniformity in balls. All of these characteristics combined to give you the following features:

Reduced running friction

Reduced noise and vibration levels

Cooler running

Longer lubricant life

Excellent high speed performance

SKF InsoCoat bearings are an economical way to achieve protection from shaft currents found on many Wind generators of 1.5MW and larger

SKF Explorer bearing features

1000V protection

50MΩ electrical resistance

Eliminates electrical fluting found in 1.5MW and larger Wind generators

SKF Ceramic Hybrid bearings are the best bearing that can be used in Wind generators of 1.5MW and larger

Electrical Insulation:

The ceramic rolling elements act as an insulator protecting the bearing from electrical erosion, and lubricant contamination associated with electrical erosion found on all steel bearings.

Robust:

This ceramic material is much harder than, and has a higher modulus of elasticity than bearing steel. The less dense ceramic material packaged with 521 00 bearing steel rings has a much lower risk of false brinelling which can occur when a bearing is subjected to vibrations when not turning.

Heat:

With a 60% lower density than steel balls and lower coefficient of friction, ceramic rolling elements have lower operating temperatures than their standard steel counterparts. Also, Silicon Nitride has a coefficient of expansion that is 70% less than steel. This means that the balls are less sensitive to the high temperatures seen in many of the generators.

Reliability:

The above features add up to a bearing that can run cooler, last longer, and extend grease life, increasing the reliability of your generator.