The installation of ever-larger wind power stations for higher capacities means operators constantly face new challenges in terms of operational reliability and maintenance. A major topic in this context is the reliable lubrication of wind turbines and their components.
Under the motto of “Performance meets Sustainability“, at Windergy 2022 (WE 2022) in New Delhi, Klüber Lubrication presented a comprehensive portfolio of services and their efforts toward a sustainable future, designed to meet the specific needs of wind power industry.
Joseph Robert, Head of Global Business Teams at Klüber Lubrication India Pvt Ltd stated: “Our products and solutions for Wind Turbine lubrication have been developed to increase component life, reduce service intervals, downtime and minimize operational complexity. While our headquarters are in Germany, we have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility as well as a full-fledged R&D center at Mysore, India, to cater to the unique needs of our customers in India and the Asia Pacific region.”
One turbine: one grease
Klüberplex BEM 41-141 was developed for maximum performance in all roller bearing applications of the wind turbine, namely – the generator bearing, blade bearing, main bearing and the yaw bearing. This product has been used for decades by most major OEMs. When compared with other multi-application greases available in the market, Klüberplex BEM 41-141 has proved to be the most suitable grease for all bearing applications in a wind turbine lubrication. This has been validated by relevant test rigs, decades of field experience and approvals by most major global OEM’s.
“Having single grease that can be used across a range of application requirements has clear benefits. It reduces complexity by streamlining logistics, minimizes the potential for cross contamination with other greases and delivers a uniformly high lubrication film thickness for all the applications in a Wind turbine “ stated Joseph Robert.
Clean components generate productivity standards
Kluber Lubrication added that with the limited availability of high performance greases in the past, many wind turbine operators encounter the phenomenon of grease deposits being build up in the generator bearings. This is because of hardened thickener adhesion to the bearing surface due to oil separation from the grease at higher temperatures, which leads to vibrations, bearing damage and at times even turbine shutdowns due to temperature spikes. Kluber Lubrication has developed a new cleaning grease, Klübersynth BZ 68-400, which is proven to reduce temperature shutdowns to almost zero. Operators can remove deposits and clean bearings while the turbine is in full operation mode. The grease comes in easy-to-use packages and can be applied manually with a grease pump or via an automatic lubrication system.
Geared up for success
Another product that has proven highly effective in numerous wind power plants is the synthetic gear oil Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N. This oil is particularly suited to the specific requirements of the wind power sector due to its high scuffing and micropitting strength as well as its degree of wear protection. It is also particularly resistant to aging and oxidation and shows good viscosity-temperature behavior. Furthermore, the synthetic gear oil Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N has excellent antifoaming characteristics. All of these properties combine to increase the life of the gearbox and ensure hassle-free turbine operation.
Preventive maintenance through lubricant analysis
The experts from Klüber Lubrication also present a wide range of services in the field of specialty lubrication, lubricant condition analysis is also one of the most sought-after services provided in India, at their test facility in Mysore.
Machine availability is a key factor for operators of wind turbines, lubricant analysis can provide information that helps to detect any potential issues with the lubricant itself and more importantly with the component. This knowledge when received in time, immensely reduces the failure risk of expensive components and thereby optimizes machine availability.
Contributing to a Sustainable Future
By 2045, Kluber Lubrication and its parent company, Freudenberg group aim to become a climate-neutral company. The 2025 target is to achieve a 25 percent reduction in specific CO2 emissions per million euros of sales when compared with its emissions of 2020. With this aim in mind, the company is pursuing a strategy based on energy-saving, electrification, the purchase and generation of green power, and the offsetting of CO2 emissions. One example is their Power Purchase Agreement in collaboration with Volkswagen and power producer RWE, covering the supply of 172 MW of solar electricity from Tramm-Göthen, home to Germany’s largest photovoltaic park. Apart from Klüber Lubrication’s own sustainability goals, they help their customers to be more sustainable. The company has developed a new biodegradable grease for the yaw gear and sliding bearings of wind turbines – Klüberbio LG 39-701 N.
The high-viscosity base oil of Klüberbio LG 39-701 N comes from 100 % renewable resources and is biodegradable. This means there is a considerably lower impact on the environment in the event of leak or contact with seawater or land.
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