Supporting solar power

High precision plain bearing rod ends from the Schaeffler Group are enabling the efficient operation of the Andasol 1 solar power plant in southern Spain.

The plant uses 1248 ELGES hydraulic rod ends from Schaeffler. The function of the bearings is to support several hundred hydraulically adjustable, parabolic troughs, positioning them precisely.

Schaeffler's Power Generation Sector has developed special bearing solutions for renewable energy projects. In these types of projects, plain bearings are optimised for the slow, precise swivel motion. It is critical that movements are smooth.

The hydraulic rod ends can support high forces and are suitable for alternating loads. This means the 150mlong collector chains can be adjusted to within a 0.1mm.

The hydraulic rod ends have manganese phosphatecoated radial spherical plain bearings with steel/steel sliding contact surfaces. This surface treatment is said to reduce friction.