Corrosion-resistant plain bearings in the wave energy converter

The Spanish company Rotary Wave is dedicated to sustainable energy generation using waves and water currents in the sea. One of the company's innovative solutions is the ocean wave energy converter. As the name suggests, the mechanical forces in the oceans are converted into electrical energy. The energy converter in the form of a platform floats continuously in the sea, posing particular challenges for the technical components.
The focus here is also on a plain bearing that is used specifically in the roller axle component, which carries the entire load of the piston-cam assembly. This is a central system for transferring mechanical energy into hydraulic power. The surface pressures achieved here are around 50 MPa and the maximum speed is 10 rpm. The plain bearing would be temporarily immersed in seawater without protection. The company initially considered the use of highly resistant sintered bearings at low speeds.

In addition to sintered bearings with various surface materials such as bronze, Rotary Wave also enquired about our iglidur ® Z bearings in order to be able to carry out comparative tests. The aim was to find a solution that was as maintenance-free and corrosion-resistant as possible for underwater use. Using our online tool, the customer was able to quickly access all the necessary technical information on the bearings and materials and thus filter out the best possible solution. After a direct comparison with sintered bearings and a special focus on the wear behaviour in the marine environment, Rotary Wave finally opted for the bearings made of iglidur® Z. The wear-resistant material was specially designed for high loads under continuous operation. Also important for use in the sea: The iglidur® bearings are not lubricated externally, but are self-lubricating. This means that no lubricants can get into the marine environment.