Freudenberg Friction Inserts (FFIs) for increasing the power density of wind turbines will be introduced by Freudenberg Performance Materials at WindEnergy – the leading trade fair for the international wind energy industry which takes place in Hamburg, Germany, from September 27-30.

FFI technology is based on a special very thin nonwoven carrier material coated on one side with hard particles. The FFIs are customised to fit each application, in terms of both the geometry and the construction parameters of the connection. They do not create a gap so can be applied exactly where they are needed.

When placed in the joint, these hard particles penetrate into the surfaces of the two joining parts creating a micro interlock, thus reliably increasing the friction coefficient and achieving higher torque transmission in connections. This results in higher performance and a significant improvement in the efficiency of wind turbines. In addition, it enables the downsizing of components without compromising performance by reducing weight and material.

FFIs help to improve the reliability of connections and thus of the entire wind turbine and also eliminate slipping and prevent the fretting of connections.

Other examples of applications for FFIs are highly-loaded flange connections between the rotor shaft and gearbox, connections between the main bearing and the machine carrier housing, the gearbox to generator, or at the pitch gear or ring gear. Precision-designed for their intended use, they increase the friction co-efficient between two components.

Freudenberg Performance Materials will be welcoming WindEnergy visitors at stand 531 in Hall B6 with sister companies Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and Klüber Lubrication.

www.freudenberg-pm.com