Maintenance-free replacement for roller bearings in the parabolic trough system

• What was needed: Plain bearings for bearing points in the electromechanical slewing ring drives of the parabolic trough system, replacement for roller bearings
• Requirements: Wear resistance, insensitivity to dirt, moisture, temperature differences, maintenance-free
• Industry: Renewable energies, solar thermal energy

Mithras Holding GmbH & Co. KG specialises in the development, production and marketing of highly efficient parabolic mirrors and solar thermal power plants with parabolic trough technology in modular design.

With an expected operating time of more than 20 years for solar thermal power plants, suitable, virtually maintenance-free bearing solutions were not available on the market at that time. Mithras has set out to set new standards in tracking (drive technology) and bearing. Along with igus and with a partner company for drive technology, a concept had to be developed to implement the tracking with an electromechanical slewing ring drive without rolling bearings. The new solution should bring more longevity, ease of maintenance, resource conservation and cost savings.

In collaboration with igus®, new iglidur ® plain bearings were specially developed for this application and installed in the entire parabolic trough system. They significantly reduce the manufacturing costs and operating costs compared to roller bearings. The new bearings have a much longer service life and require no maintenance thanks to their lubrication integrated in the material.