Gearbox lube for wind turbines

One way to improve wind-turbine efficiency is with proper gearbox lubricant. Dow recently introduced the UCON GL-320 lubricant for wind turbine gearboxes and those in other applications. The high viscosity index of the lube, addresses the issue of cold weather causing high lubricant viscosity without the need for additional VI improvers. It has higher heat capacity than hydrocarbon oils, which allows it to move more heat, forestalling a shutdown when turbine output is at the maximum. The lubricant has better lubricity at ambient conditions, so it has potential to shift the power-versus-wind-speed curve to the left, leading to greater power output when the production is less than the maximum design output.

This lubricant also addresses the issue of micropitting, which can lead to wearing and changes in gear teeth shape, reducing gear accuracy, and increasing vibrations and noise. It can also lead to other problems such as misalignment and fatigue failure. High viscosity lubricants like UCON GL-320 are a thicker lubricant film that can help to reduce the debris and worn particles that often accompany less well-lubricated gears.

DOW

www.dow.com

Dow lubricant brochure for wind turbine gearboxes

The Dow UCON™ GL-320 lubricant was developed for wind turbines, though it can also be used for other types of gearboxes.

Turbines can shut down in cold weather because of filter failures resulting from high lubricant viscosity. UCON™ GL-320 has a higher viscosity index to address this issue without needing additional VI improvers.  The lubricant also has a higher heat capacity than hydrocarbon oils, which allows it to move more heat, reducing shutdowns. It’s polyalkylene glycol based and has the potential to shift the power vs. wind speed curve to the left, resulting in greater power output.

The brochure is available for download at www.ucon.com.

The Dow Chemical Company
dow.com

Research center for carbon fiber blades

Low-cost carbon fiber for industrial applications, including advanced wind turbine blades, is the goal for an expanding chemical company. Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., says it will expand its renewable and alternative energy reach in the state thanks to more than $108 million in business tax credits and grants. In addition, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority is expected to approve $103 million in tax credits and incentives for Dow’s Powerhouse Solar Shingle project and Kokam advanced battery manufacturing facility.
A $20 million carbon-fiber project will create a center focused on developing low-cost carbon fiber for use in the production of advanced wind turbine blades and in transportation applications. The company is partnering with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop the material over about three years, said Steve Bakkal, the Wind Energy Sector Development director for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The project will be sited in one of Dow’s existing facilities. And while it won’t immediately create jobs, it will have job creation potential later, drawing wind turbine blade manufacturers and other companies who can use the carbon fiber to the Great Lakes Bay Region, he said.