Thrust on Shaft Bearings
By finnsawyer, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Sat Jan 10, 2004 at 11:38:30 AM MST
A high speed wind turbine exerts considerable axial thrust on the shaft bearings

This is the reason that automotive type hub bearings have been commonly used.  Unfortunately, they use two pairs of tapered roller bearings.  For a small wind turbine this is overkill.  Most automotive type alternators have a sizable front ball bearing assembly.  If this could be replaced by a tapered roller bearing the axial forces could be transferred to the alternator housing extending alternator life.  For instance, I have a Delco-Remy alternator having a 17mm Id x 40mm Od x 12mm bearing.  I found a company in India that produces a 17mm x 40mm x 13.25mm tapered roller bearing.  I don't believe the extra 1.25mm (1/20)inch would be a problem.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to establish contact with the company or get a list of US distributers.  The company's web address is www.abcbearings.com.  I'd appreciate any information on US distributers of this class of bearings as I feel they would be extremely useful when using alternators for wind turbines.

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