A common challenge in wind turbine generator maintenance is bearing failure due to static discharges and lightning strikes. White-etching cracks (WEC) and other kinds of damage caused by electrical discharge through the bearings lead to costly downtime, expensive unplanned maintenance, and possibly even safety hazards.
In worst-case scenarios, the failure can migrate to the roller bearings, causing them to escape the raceway, damaging nearby equipment and the nacelle.
Main shaft grounding (sometimes known as shaft earthing outside of the U.S.) prevents these costly and time-consuming issues. Helwig Carbon has created the industry-leading BPK-AM main shaft grounding solution to meet your needs.
Our main shaft grounding systems are reliable, durable, effective, easy to install, extra long lasting, maintenance free, safe, and compatible with your systems.
What to Use to Prevent Shaft Bearing Failures
The BPK-AM is a part of the top-performing Bearing Protection Kit (BPK) product line, which has years of proven performance reducing the common mode voltage on the shaft to <1 volt. The BPK-AM for wind main shaft grounding comes preinstalled on a ready-made bracket for easy installation in the field and is available with or without the grease deflector assemblies.
The BPK-AM for Wind Main Shaft Grounding features:
- Durable, heavy-duty brass holder
- Proprietary K007 silver graphite brush
- Specially engineered, sturdy, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel bracket to fit directly on main shaft
- Easy installation using existing bolt pattern
- Extra-long life cycle
- Maintenance free
- Optional Grease Deflector Assemblies to ensure no contaminants are present on the brush path
- Kits are in stock and ready to ship
- OEM Approved
Off-the-shelf tower kits are available for Siemens-Gamesa and GE 2X platforms. Custom designs are also available.
Optional Grease Deflector Ensures Optimal Grounding
For optimal grounding, it is important that the brush track on the shaft is clear of any grease, oil, debris, or paint, as they will act as an insulator and impede grounding. The optional grease deflector on the BPK-AM moves any stray grease out of the brush track ensuring continuous contact with the shaft, maintaining the ground.
Contact Our Dedicated Wind Team
If you need main shaft grounding for your Wind Energy project, Helwig Carbon will help you find the right solution. Helwig’s dedicated Wind Team provides problem diagnosis, installation guidance, part maintenance recommendations, and industry-leading brush and holder knowledge. The wind team is comprised of wind engineers and technicians who are climbing certified and compliant to 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1926, and GWO 1001.
For more information or to request a quote, contact us.