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Wind Power with Precision
Story

Wind Power with Precision

8 min read

How ZEISS measuring solutions are enabling the growth of renewable energy

Wind turbine

For wind turbines to operate reliably and efficiently, it is essential that their key components are manufactured with precision. Slewing bearings, such as those produced by Chinese company LYXQL, play an important role in aligning the turbine to the wind. Using innovative metrology technologies from ZEISS, LYXQL ensures that these central components meet the highest standards of quality – as a basis for reliable wind energy and a sustainable power supply.

The global expansion of renewable energies requires close cooperation between the manufacturers of wind power components and suppliers of advanced metrology technologies. ZEISS plays a central role in this by providing world-leading metrology technologies that optimize the production of essential components for wind turbines. These technologies enable companies worldwide to significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of their wind energy projects. Through partnerships with manufacturers such as LYXQL, ZEISS is making a decisive contribution to the global energy transition and facilitating a sustainable future.

Wind power animation

The global wind industry is playing a crucial role in boosting renewable energy. Through continuous investment and the expansion of wind energy projects, wind power is strengthening its position as a key pillar of sustainable energy supply worldwide.

Under the leadership of CEO Gaoqiang Xiao, Luoyang Xinqianglian Slewing Bearing Co., Ltd. (LYXQL) is shaping the future of the wind industry with technological innovations. The company produces high-precision slewing bearings, which are among the largest in China and which are essential for the operation of wind turbines. These bearings are much more than mere technical components; they form the heart of the turbines by enabling their movement and maximizing efficiency.

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Slewing bearings in the wind industry: key components for maximum efficiency 


In the wind industry, LYXQL specializes in the production of yaw bearings, pitch bearings and main shaft bearings for large wind turbines. Yaw bearings enable horizontal rotation of the turbine nacelle to achieve maximum wind yield. Pitch bearings are integrated into the rotor blades and optimize their pitch and alignment to maximize turbine efficiency at different wind speeds and protect the turbine in extreme weather conditions. Main shaft bearings support the main shaft and ensure stable power transmission.

A modern wind turbine with a rated output of 5 megawatts generates around 10 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year, depending on its location and wind conditions, and can thus supply approximately 3,000–5,000 households.1 If a wind turbine fails, this can have various consequences: power generation is disrupted, leading in turn to adverse economic effects for the energy supplier. In the worst case, it can cause bottlenecks in supply and undermine grid stability. In rare cases, an outage can also pose safety risks or impact the environment, especially if mechanical parts are damaged or come loose.

High-precision bearings are therefore crucial for the performance and longevity of wind turbines as only they can ensure that the components can withstand high loads. “The measurements and data obtained enabled us to optimize our production further and thus minimize the risk of subsequent failures and increased maintenance requirements for the bearings during operation,” summarizes Gaoqiang Xiao.

Key figures

  • 32%

    growth over 2023.2

  • 117 GW

    newly installed wind power capacity in 2024.2

  • 20%

    reduction in measuring time with ZEISS MMZ G.

MZZ machine

Quality assurance for large components down to the last detail

There are numerous norms and standards in place to ensure the quality and reliability of wind turbines. Individual components of wind turbines – including slewing bearings – therefore undergo rigorous certification processes. The challenge: how to measure these large, solid components in a way that is traceable and replicable.

To meet the high quality requirements, LYXQL inspects the slewing bearings before they are installed in wind turbines. “Our largest coordinate measuring machine, the ZEISS MMZ G, is in daily use at our company. It offers an outstanding combination of performance, precision and reproducibility that meets our requirements for high-quality metrology technology,” emphasizes Wu Jinghui.

Jian Sun, Head of Greater North Regional Sales at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions China, underlines the importance of the collaboration, ‟ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions develops high-precision metrology technologies that are essential for quality assurance for our customers in the wind industry. What motivates me is the fact that we can contribute directly to the energy transition and global climate protection through our innovations.”

Profile of Wu Jinghui, CMM engineer at LYXQL

Since the slewing bearings are exposed to a harsh environment and difficult to access, the bearings must be durable and reliable. High-quality materials, continuous quality controls during production and precise assembly are therefore crucial.

Wu Jinghui CMM application engineer at LYXQL
Media gallery
Profile of Jian Sun

ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions develops high-precision metrology technologies that are essential for quality assurance in the wind industry. What motivates me is the fact that we can contribute actively to the energy transition and global climate protection through our innovations.

Jian Sun Head of Greater North Regional Sales, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions China

Focus: Precision technology in the wind industry 


  • Precision in wind turbine components is vital to ensure the stability and safety of wind turbines. High-precision slewing bearings maximize turbine efficiency and ensure they can withstand harsh environmental conditions and high loads.

  • The measurement process for large components poses the challenge of measuring massive components with submicron precision. The high-precision ZEISS MMZ G coordinate measuring machine from ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions enables accurate inspection and quality assurance of turbine components.

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