Air Bearing Technology for Wind Power Manufacturing

Manufacturers of wind power equipment are faced with unique material-handling issues as a result of weight and size of original equipment. While Airfloat does not address site material handling or transportation needs, we do have a host of solutions for the manufacturing of nacelles, towers, and blades. Air bearing technology allows for virtually friction-free movement of loads ranging from a few 1000 lbs, to over 1 million lbs. Additionally, air bearing movement allows for omni-directional movement of these heavy loads.

Case Study #1

A nacelle manufacturer was preparing to install a new five-station assembly line for nacelles. By using Airfloat technology and engineering, this customer jointly developed the needed assembly line for omni-directional movement of 90,000 lb nacelles and eliminated the need for overhead cranes. This system is highly reliable with minimal maintenance requirements. It's designed for easy repair to avoid any downtime. In addition, this system represented an investment of less than half of the expense budgeted for overhead cranes. While overhead cranes can be effective, the customer saw the benefits of reducing the time required for proper harnessing, the inability to move across crane bays, the high maintenance issues related to overhead cranes, and the manufacturing bottlenecks associated with overhead systems.

Case Study #2

A wind power manufacturer found that handling these large shaft assemblies was hampered by the limitations of overhead cranes.  Airfloat consulted with the manufacturer, visited the plant to work closely with client engineers and plant personnel, then developed the design for lifting, moving and articulating the 14,000-lb. shaft and 8,000 lbs. of bearings that are added during the assembly process. This material-handling solution enabled safe movement and finite location of this large item, increasing productivity. Air bearing technology created friction-free movement, with an air-over-hydraulic positioning system, designed by Airfloat, to lift and manipulate the wind generator shaft. Thus the client eliminated overhead cranes and minimized product damage.

Click on the player above to watch a short video demonstrating Airfloat wind power solutions. Click on the link below for a larger format, .wmv file, viewable in Windows Media Player. Gearbox Shaft Air Bearing Transporter

Airfloat offers custom engineered, designed and manufactured material handling equipment for wind tower, blade and nacelle manufacturers. Better ergonomic heavy load movement is made possible by Airfloat.  Contact Airfloat now for ways to increase your productivity.

Case Study #3

One of the largest producers of towers has purchased an Airfloat-designed air bearing system to move tower sections thru their manufacturing processes. These Airfloat transporters will allow for easy movement of 160,000-lb towers through the entire manufacturing process. This new plant will become the industry standard for efficient, safe handling of towers.