The Impact of Lubrication on Drivetrain Energy Efficiency & Profitability

Extracting the most energy from wind turbines is paramount for any owner/operator. Ultimately this drives down the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and could be the difference between a plant being profitable or making tough decisions to stay afloat. Maximizing energy output involves minimizing the losses that occur within the major mechanical components of the drivetrain. With variable loads and speeds, friction is ever present in these components and advanced lubrication technology can have a very material impact toward reducing those frictional losses. In our lubricant development processes, we have correlated friction reduction in our laboratories to benefits measured in highly accelerated life test (HALT) rigs netting increases of 0.5-0.8% energy production gain. In this 3-year study, we sought to determine the net benefit to actual turbines in the field. In partnership with BP Wind, Onyx Insight, and Wood Engineering, this evaluation will demonstrate the tremendous gains that can be delivered with advanced lubricants, especially at low wind conditions.