Profile

• What was needed: plain bearings for bearing points in the electromechanical slewing ring drives of the parabolic trough system, and replacement for rolling bearings
• Requirements: wear resistance, insensitivity to dirt, moisture, temperature differences, freedom from maintenance
• Field of application: solar thermal industry

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

Problem

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.

Solution

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