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.