The Freudenberg Group says it has developed a range of product systems and services for the fast-growing American wind energy market. The product portfolio ranges from sealing product from Simrit, lubricants from Kluber Lubrication, and release agents from Chem-Trend.
According to the American Wind Energy Association and Pike Research, the North American wind energy sector’s installed capacity is over 55 GW and accounts for more than 22% of the world’s total.
Simrit, a brand of Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, has developed product and material systems to address challenges including next-generation seal designs that incorporate features such as dust lips and durable materials that extend the life of the seal and system in extreme conditions. Simrit is working with the offshore wind industry to develop special materials and products for sealing main bearings, slew bearings, and nacelle enclosures, which can sustain extreme conditions and guarantee more than 10 years of service life. Further, Simrit has developed strong business relationships with wind turbine OEMs in Europe and Asia, and will continue to foster these relationships as OEMs build capacities in North America.
Scientists have developed a high-performance material, Ventoguard, that features greater temperature and ozone resistance, ensuring a longer service life. Ventoguard materials lower the minimum temperature, significantly extending the range of applications in different locations and climates, the company says. In addition, the relaxation behavior of the material has been significantly improved, ensuring effective sealing durability and cost benefits. Two recent material examples are Ventoguard 453 and 454, newly improved premium materials that keep grease in place, increase seal life, and improve turbine service.
Chem-Trend has developed a series of release agents that offer outstanding performance when removing rotor blades from the mold, the company says. Rotor blades are molded from a wide range of composite materials. With release agents, it is easier to release the blades from the mold without damage, which could impact energy efficiency.
Furthermore, products from Freudenberg Nonwovens are used for composites, which are suited for surface protection and as core material in production of rotor blades for wind power stations. Surfacing nonwovens improve the resistance to both corrosion and abrasion defects. Core materials are used to reduce the weight and to increase mechanical strength which helps in cost cutting.
Freudenberg Group
www.freudenberg.us
Filed Under: Lubricants, O&M
