Mitigating turbine downtime with proper lubricant care

摘要

Oil has been called the "lifeblood" of a wind turbine, and for good reason. Proper lubrication mitigates friction between key components, such as the bearings in a gearbox, and keeps a turbine running reliably. What is less well known is that lubricants also help control equipment temperature and transport dirt and other debris away from the friction surface. To endure the variable load, speed, and temperature conditions under which gearboxes operate, regular oil analysis and the occasional change are critical to a long operating life.