Case Study: Implementing Bio-lubricants in a Wind Turbine Gearbox to Reduce Environmental Impact and Maintenance Costs
Lecturer-Senior Scale, Department of Automobile Engineering, Smt.L.V.Government Polytechnic, Hassan-573201, Karnataka, India.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021, 11(01), 291–298
Publication history:
Received on 11 July 2021; revised on 21 July 2021; accepted on 29 July 2021
Abstract:
The global wind energy sector, a cornerstone of the transition to renewable power, faces significant operational challenges related to the reliability and environmental footprint of its critical components, particularly the gearbox. Traditional mineral-based gear oils, while effective, pose environmental risks through potential leakage and are derived from non-renewable resources. This case study investigates the implementation of a biolubricant, based on saturated synthetic esters, in the gearbox of a multi-megawatt onshore wind turbine. The study, conducted over a 24-month period, evaluates the technical performance, economic viability, and environmental benefits of this transition against a baseline of conventional mineral oil. Performance metrics included oil analysis (viscosity, acidity, wear metals), gearbox temperature trends, and maintenance logs. The results demonstrate that the biolubricant achieved equivalent, and in some aspects superior, technical performance, including excellent thermal stability and lower wear rates. Economically, despite a higher initial purchase price, the biolubricant's extended drain interval and reduced component wear led to a projected 15% reduction in total maintenance costs over a five-year period. Environmentally, the switch resulted in a 90% reduction in the carbon footprint of the lubricant itself and significantly mitigated the ecological impact of potential leaks. This study concludes that biolubricants present a viable, sustainable, and economically advantageous alternative for wind turbine gearboxes, aligning operational excellence with environmental stewardship.
Keywords:
Wind Turbine Gearbox; Biolubricant, Synthetic Ester; Condition Monitoring; Oil Analysis; Life Cycle Cost
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