Yaw bearing
![Schematic representation of the main wind turbine components. The yaw system is located between the wind turbine nacelle and tower.](/Images/godic/202502/21/Wind.turbine.components.and.coordinates.svg5904.png")
![Schematic representation of a historical gliding pad and lock configuration[1] next to...a schematic of a similar configuration found on a modern wind turbine.](/Images/godic/202502/21/Historical.gliding.yaw.bearing.lock5904.png")
![](/Images/godic/202502/21/Gliding.yaw.bearing.lock5904.png")
![Schematic representation of a historical hybrid yaw bearing with axial rollers and radial gliding pads.[1]](/Images/godic/202502/21/Historical.hybrid.bearing5904.png")
The yaw bearing is the most crucial and cost intensive component of a yaw system found on modern horizontal axis wind turbines. The yaw bearing must cope with enormous static and dynamic loads and moments during the wind turbine operation, and provide smooth rotation characteristics for the orientation of the nacelle under all weather conditions. It has also to be corrosion and wear resistant and extremely long lasting. It should last for the service life of the wind turbine) while being cost effective.