Motion Control & Drives


Lubricants for wind power plants

January 2023 Motion Control & Drives

The spotlight is firmly on the uptake of clean energy sources, as the government aims to increase its share of renewable energy in its energy mix from 11% to 41% by 2030. This means the deployment of 11,8 GW of large-scale renewable energy capacity, translating into significant opportunities for both investors and independent power producers (IPPs).

Despite South Africa having some of the best solar and wind energy resources in the world, these only make up about 8% of the country’s energy mix at present. Solar and wind plants can be constructed in a two-year timeframe, and have very low running costs.

Modern wind power plants must have the highest possible effectiveness to generate electricity efficiently. Optimum design of the machine elements is required to achieve this over a plant lifetime often exceeding 20 years. Minimising friction in the entire system is critical, but avoiding wear is even more important. Once the moving components such as roller bearings or gear wheels show initial signs of wear, this is irreversible, with a dramatic impact on the service life of components.

In particular, the pitch and yaw bearings in wind power plants are subject to high requirements from a tribological point of view due to the adverse environmental conditions. Conventional greases do not provide adequate wear protection in this instance. The use of solid lubricants has proven to be effective in isolating running surfaces and rolling elements from one another during static and mixed friction phases, thus preventing wear. Due to their high physio-mechanical pressure resistance, these solid lubricants, unlike oils and simple greases, remain between and isolate the surfaces of the components, even under high surface pressures.

Through many years of research activities involving close partners from the wind power industry, Fuchs has succeeded in developing a special mixture of reactive white solid lubricants. Triggered by the action of a defined load, the white solid lubricants form a protective reactive layer on the contact surfaces. This reactive layer reduces friction and, above all, the wear of the components of the roller bearing.

When it comes to the maintenance of wind power plants, Fuchs offers a full range of special lubricants. “Whether in hot, cold, dry or aggressive saline environments – wherever wind power stations generate energy – we do everything to ensure that no energy is lost unnecessarily,” comments Ernst Bekker, technical sales specialist in the Lubritech Division. “We have developed specialty lubricants for this purpose that clearly contribute to reducing the wear on equipment and significantly reduce your maintenance effort and expenditure, all for ideally smooth generation with no loss of energy and with optimal frictional wear protection,” adds Giles Cutter, export divisional manager.

For pitch and yaw bearings, GLEITMO 585 K is a well-proven, fully synthetic special lubricant containing reactive white solid lubricants. This synergistic combination offers excellent protection against wear, even under critical operational conditions like vibration, and small oscillations under high load, which are typical for pitch and yaw bearings in wind turbines. It is also ideal for gear lubrication of pitch and yaw bearings using lubrication pinions.

STABYL LX 460 SYN is a fully synthetic high-performance grease developed especially for use in wind turbines. Due to its wide operating temperature range, high mechanical stability, and outstanding load-carrying capacity, this grease is ideal for the lubrication of the main rotor bearings. Its special properties mean taht it can also be used as a multifunctional grease in the demanding lubricating areas of azimuth and pitch bearings.

CEPLATTYN BL WHITE is a white adhesive lubricant with reactive solid lubricants. It is used as a lubricant for machines and machine components operating under difficult conditions, and subject to extreme temperature fluctuations and environmental influences. A specialised application is the lubrication of azimuth and pitch gear rings in wind turbines.

URETHYN XHD 2 is a soft lubricating grease with a synthetic hydrocarbon base oil and a very temperature-resistant polyurea thickener. A selected additive package provides excellent wear protection, even at fluctuating speeds, temperatures and loads.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

WEBER-HYDRAULIK modernises warehouse in record time
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK is a leading international specialist in customised hydraulic solutions. After its old buffer warehouse had become outdated and was partially worn out mechanically, the decision was made to completely renovate it.

Read more...
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput ten times
Motion Control & Drives
OMC, a pioneer in optoelectronics design and manufacture, is investing to introduce innovative cobot technology onto its fibre optic production line.

Read more...
Yaskawa Southern Africa launches laser welding cell
Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Industrial Manufacturing Systems South Africa to introduce the Megmeet laser welding cell, a breakthrough solution combining precision robotics with cutting-edge laser technology.

Read more...
Next-gen planetary gearboxes
SEW-EURODRIVE Motion Control & Drives
Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.

Read more...
Record-breaking dragline relocation
Motion Control & Drives
Draglines are key pieces of equipment in open-pit mining. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance entrusted Mammoet with the relocation of a 3100 ton Marion 8050 dragline from one end of the Peak Downs coal mine in Queensland, Australia to another, a full 27 km away.

Read more...
igus expands 3D printing capabilities
igus Motion Control & Drives
Motion plastics specialist, igus South Africa has introduced a new 3D printing service capable of producing custom parts in two engineering-grade polymers with exceptional strength and without the need for lubrication.

Read more...
Bühler adds new die refurbishment machine
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler has reinforced its commitment to customers in southern Africa with the installation of a new die refurbishment machine at its Johannesburg workshop.

Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE drives innovation at automotive plant
SEW-EURODRIVE Motion Control & Drives
[Sponsored] A major automotive manufacturer in Gauteng has boosted its operational efficiency, safety and energy savings with the installation of SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive system in its newly expanded buffering zone.

Read more...
Reimagining rotation for a circular and sustainable future
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Through the design and manufacture of components with sustainability at their core, SKF is reimagining the future of rotation, rolling away from traditional, consumable-based thinking toward a smarter, more sustainable circular approach.”

Read more...
Optimising operational efficiencies through advanced filtration systems
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
Filtration is the only effective defense against wear and tear when contaminants are present. It is therefore critical that effective filter components are correctly used to ensure dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery and vehicles.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved