Maintenance-free plain and spherical bearings for solar thermal systems

For an ideal energy output from a solar thermal energy plant, direct sunlight and a consistently low degree of cloudiness are essential. Desert regions fulfil this criteria. We offer plain and spherical plain bearings for tracking systems that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and prevent downtime. Whether standard or customised special parts: we will find the perfect solution for your system that is resistant to dirt, UV and temperature and enables quiet operation without torque fluctuations. The bearings made from tribo-optimised plastics are characterised by extremely low coefficients of friction, fit into small installation spaces and do not require any additional lubrication or maintenance.

iglidur sliding shell

• For mounting parabolic mirrors
• Made of robust iglidur J or igutex TX1 material
• Potential savings when used with galvanised shafts
• Individually manufactured for your system

Split pillow blocks

• Ideal for Fresnel collectors with single-axis systems
• Fitting is easily done on site and makes handling of heavy shafts unnecessary
• High rigidity and durability

iglidur plain bearings

The long-life, lubrication-free alternative to metal plain bearings:

• igutex TX1  and ​​​​​​​igutex TX2 plain bearings: extremely strong and resistant to temperatures
• Perfect for use in heliostats of solar tower power plants: iglidur J flanged bearings, in combination with galvanised shafts up to 30% cost savings compared to metal bearings with chrome-plated shafts

Maintenance-free for 20 years

iglidur plain bearings made of the material J UV ensure a permanently smooth operation in around 1,000 bearing points of the Fresnel collectors from Ecotherm. The dry running material was specially developed for use in UV radiation and is therefore durable even in sunlight and maintenance-free.

More cost-effective and durable alternative to rolling bearings

The parabolic mirrors from Mithras Holding are equipped with durable plastic plain bearings. Unlike rolling bearings, they do not require any maintenance due to the solid lubricants integrated in the material and are cheaper to manufacture.