Powering Wind, Powering Progress

To sustain maximum power output from wind turbines, wind power producers/operators must minimize unscheduled – and costly – downtime for maintenance and repairs. Further, producers and operators must overcome this challenge with equipment operating in extreme conditions of temperature, load and water contamination. For this, Mobil™ Lubricants has been evolving its portfolio to offer products and services that have been designed specifically for fresh challenges encountered in the rapidly evolving wind industry.

At Mobil, specialized engineers work closely with equipment builders (EB) to gain precise insights into their requirements. Thereafter, certified formulators at Mobil then use these insights to build outstanding lubricants that are well supported by EBs. Overall, continuous research and innovation are helping EBs meet the ongoing challenges of key wind operations.

Superior solutions for every challenge

There are two major changes that operators can implement to reduce instances of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) in wind turbine maintenance:

• Convert operations to a high-performance synthetic turbine gearbox lubricant
• Implement a routine gearbox oil analysis program

Today, Mobil’s industrial lubricants are used in more than 40,000 wind turbines worldwide. This includes the synthetic wind turbine lubricant – Mobil SHC™ Gear 320 WT – which has displayed superb wear protection and virtually no alerts due to oil aging.

Formulated to perform in extreme conditions, the Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT assures equipment protection, operating temperature, and long oil life – leading to continuous superior performance.

The Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT advanced wind turbine gear lubricant is a fully synthetic gear lubricant designed to protect wind turbine gearboxes operating under extreme conditions, such as extremely low or high temperatures and corrosive environments. Additionally, it has been formulated to provide excellent protection against conventional wear modes, such as scuffing, while also providing a high level of resistance against micro pitting fatigue. This synthetic wind turbine gearbox oil comes with a 10-year warranty.

The Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT wind turbine lubrication can:
• Maximize equipment productivity by minimizing unscheduled downtime and maintenance
• Extend gear and bearing life under high-stress operating conditions
• Extend oil life

In recognition of its excellence, the Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT has received a second ‘design evaluation’ certification by DNV-GL, one of the world’s leading certification bodies for renewable energy projects. The certification is in recognition of the lubricant’s in-service performance, demonstrating that it does not contribute to the oil-related effects of white etching cracks (WEC). With 60 per cent of wind turbine gearbox failures attributed to WEC, it is a serious issue for wind turbine operators that can result in costly maintenance and lost productivity.

Service with care

Across the world, Mobil has emerged as a trusted partner that can guarantee wind turbine efficiency and long life. Mobil delivers optimum equipment protection and oil performance in a wide range of conditions, including onshore, offshore, dry or wet, and at high or low temperatures.

Along with superior lubricant formulations, Mobil offers diverse maintenance services under Mobil Serv^SM Engineering Services – including wind turbine gearbox flush and fill, as well as startup and cleanliness guidance. These offerings aid wind farm operators in achieving outstanding equipment protection and long service intervals, resulting in safety along with environmental and operating cost benefits.

 

- ExxonMobil