• + Demand grows for high efficiency turbo technologies
  • + Customers benefit from Honeywell’s aerospace connection

Ball Bearing Systems Set to Take Off

Posted 07.26.2010

  • Email This
  • Print
    • Close
    • MixxMixx
    • DiggDigg
    • FacebookFacebook
    • deliciousdelicious
    • redditreddit
    • StumbleUponStumbleUpon
    • MySpaceMySpace!
    • TwitterTwitter
    Share

From runway to highway…when Honeywell engineers develop a great idea, the company’s knowledge network leverages its advantages across every relevant area of industry.

So when a ball bearing system was first developed for Honeywell’s aerospace operations, the potential for the automotive industry soon became apparent – and today the technology is a fast growing feature of turbochargers, enhancing efficiency in some of the most advanced commercial vehicle engines in the world.

high efficiency turbo technologiesHoneywell remains the only CV turbo manufacturer to exploit the unique advantages that ball bearing systems confer to the center rotating shaft that connects the turbine and compressor wheels. Compared to journal bearings, ball bearings have lower mechanical losses, a critical characteristic which improves overall turbo efficiency.

“The benefits that drove the development of ball bearing systems in the aero engine boosting sector are increasingly mirrored in the automotive industry as manufacturers seek to optimize the advantages of this technology after they realize it can contribute to enhanced engine performance and help meet very demanding emissions standards,” says Regis Michel, Director of Shafts & Bearings at Honeywell Turbo Technologies.

While the vast majority of turbochargers currently use journal bearings, incoming fuel economy and emissions legislation means more OEMs are considering turbochargers that combine best-in-class aerodynamics with ball bearing systems that offer unparalleled mechanical efficiency.

Today, Honeywell ball bearing turbochargers, in addition to being a mainstay for Honeywell-turbocharged race cars, can also be found on the latest Ford Scorpion engine powering its new Ford F250-350 Super Duty trucks as well as on commercial vehicle engines in the US.

Typically a Honeywell ball bearing system will feature ceramic balls as part of a high resistance steel cartridge design, configured for CV customers according to the required rotor speed, bearing load and life cycle.

The commercial advantages of ball bearings come from their inherent ability to withstand high load and their ultra-low friction losses. The system is estimated to support fuel efficiency gains of up to 2% over journal bearings.

“For all these reasons, interest in ball bearing systems for commercial vehicle turbos is growing, particularly in medium-duty applications where operators are looking for driveability, fuel efficiency and a life cycle of up to 1 million kilometers,” says Regis.