The Green Revolution - A Global Win-Win

 Green technology is more than changing a couple of light bulbs or reducing waste. In 2009, the concept is relevant in every facet of manufacturing as companies make a greater push towards energy effi ciency and sustainability. In the power transmission and motion control fi elds, this technology has been integrated into the daily routine, both as an environmentally friendly business venture and a way to offer green products to customers. It’s apparent that the revitalization of manufacturing, both here and abroad, will center on energy technology. Many companies have already taken note of the benefi ts of going green.

Green Technology with SKF

With expertise in material, tribology, rheology and friction management, SKF is currently supporting several green technology initiatives. By reducing the friction of rotating components, SKF’s combination of bearings, seals and optimum lubrication reduces energy consumption and CO2 emission. “The impact is important considering that we have billions of bearings running in the world in many applications,” says George Dettloff, CEO and president of SKF USA Inc. “This adds up to an enormous saving for the planet.” Furthermore, the company has expertise in reliability systems, asset management and the newly developed “SKF’s Client Needs Analysis–Energy and Sustainability” tool, a facilitated assessment by SKF energy experts. “These tools enable customers to estimate and achieve energy savings for an entire manufacturing process or a specifi c application and product,” Dettloff says. “When used together with SKF’s ‘Documented Savings Program’ tool, customers appreciate the real value we provide because the savings per machine can be identifi ed and used as benchmarks for other savings elsewhere in the plant.” At the core of this green movement are SKF’s E2 bearings, energy effi cient as a result of optimized geometries, lubrication, special cages and manufacturing techniques. These bearings exhibit signifi cantly less friction torque and friction loss than conventional bearings—at least a 30 percent reduction. With applications in electric motors, pumps, gearboxes and wind turbines, the E2 bearings run cooler, reduce lubricant use and extend machine life. In addition, SKF has been involved in many energy effi cient projects that extend beyond bearings including: ? Saving weight for commercial and business jet airplanes with fl y-by-wire actuation and auto throttle systems. ? Window blinds with electric actuation that save energy at an average of 40 percent per year.

? Condition monitoring units for wind energy that prevent downtime and make renewable energy sources more effi cient.

? Replacing pneumatic actuation with mechatronic actuation provides a 70 percent savings for energy in robotic applications.

? Centralized lubricating system and minimal quantity lubrication systems that provide less lubricant than traditional systems, yet lubricate just as well. SKF’s Maintenance Strategies and Practices are delivering more effi ciency to large manufacturing plants, saving high amounts of energy and preventing breakdowns, so that the machinery lasts longer. And SKF’s remanufacturing service can repair a worn bearing at signifi cantly lower cost than the original new product cost, giving energy and materials savings for the manufacture of new products. “We have many solutions and services that really contribute to reduce energy consumption, lubricant consumption and CO2 emission,” Dettloff says. “Many new projects are under way to promote green technology practices.” In addition, the sustainability section at www.skf.com takes green technology a step further, utilizing knowledge engineering, sustainability reporting and energy effi cient solutions in its SKF Care concept. Sustainability is a major key to SKF, according to Dettloff, with the SKF Care approach to business, the environment, employees and the community. “Our customers see our offers to save energy and to promote green solutions and they are facing the same challenges and opportunities that we do for developing greener products and for running their own factories in the most effi cient way,” Dettloff says.