The wind turbine market continues to grow apace, supported by decreasing costs, evolving technology, increased demand for renewable energy, and a steady shift toward more environmentally friendly solutions. According to projections published by GlobalData, the global installed wind power capacity is set to increase to 3,207.2GW by 2035, with the development of large-scale wind farms emerging as a dominant trend in the global market.

Keeping these wind turbines running smoothly all comes down to good lubrication. If the drivetrain isn’t correctly maintained, things can quickly go wrong.

As both offshore and remote onshore turbines can face extreme weather and logistical challenges, servicing these installations requires products and services tailored to harsh conditions, such as specialised oil exchange units for offshore platforms and advanced monitoring tools that help reduce the need for frequent on-site interventions.

Four vital steps to supporting longevity and reliability

To help enhance the longevity and reliability of lubricants used in wind turbines, it is essential to focus on four critical aspects of lubrication oils: strong oxidation stability, thermal resistance, anti-corrosion properties, and oil condition monitoring. Each of these elements plays a role in helping the lubricant to withstand the demanding conditions of wind turbine operations, thereby helping to extend their service life and maintain efficiency.

  1. Thermal resistance is a key property that allows lubricants to maintain their performance at elevated temperatures. Wind turbines operate in diverse environmental conditions, often experiencing significant temperature fluctuations. A lubricant with good thermal resistance will not only withstand high temperatures but also maintain its viscosity and protective properties for consistent performance and protection of turbine components.

Product focus: Mobil’s next-generation polyalphaolefin (PAO) technology was chosen for its outstanding resistance to oxidation and superior thermal stability. This advanced synthetic base fluid forms the core of Mobil SHC Gear 320 WindPower, providing improved protection against micropitting, a higher viscosity index, and outstanding foam protection, even after fine filtration.

  • Strong oxidation stability is crucial for preventing the degradation of lubricants over time. Oxidation can lead to the formation of sludge and varnish, which can impair the performance of the lubricant and, consequently, turbine components. To provide strong oxidation stability, it is important to select lubricants that are formulated with highquality base oils and antioxidants. These formulations help resist oxidative degradation, thereby maintaining the lubricant’s effectiveness over extended periods*.

Product focus: For the main gearbox, Mobil SHC™ Gear 320 WT is an advanced wind turbine gear lubricant formulated with proprietary additive technology for balanced, high-level performance. It helps deliver exceptional resistance to micropitting fatigue, as well as robust protection against rust and corrosion. Recognising industry concerns about White Etching Cracks (WEC) in wind turbines, this lubricant underwent extensive scientific evaluation and became the first oil independently certified by DNV-GL not to contribute to oil-related WEC effectsi. For ancillary gearboxes, the Mobil SHC™ 600 Series provides superb operational reliability and energy efficiency by extending oil life*, performing well in both high and low temperatures, resisting oxidation and sludge, and maintaining a low traction coefficient.

  • Anti-corrosion properties are essential for protecting turbine components from corrosion and deterioration, especially in harsh environmental conditions. Lubricants with effective anti-corrosion additives help to extend the life of components and maintain operational efficiency.

Product focus: Mobil SHC™ Gear 320 WT is a fully synthetic gear lubricant designed to protect wind turbine gearboxes operating under extreme conditions, such as corrosive environments. It has been approved by major OEMs for use in their equipment and meets the main industry requirements, including the cleanliness level required by IEC 61400-4 (Design requirements for wind turbine gearboxes)ii.

Product focus: Mobil Lubricant Analysis helps operators to monitor lubricant and equipment condition and avoid unscheduled breakdowns and costly repairs. Backed by the support and technical expertise of Mobil’s formulators, scientists and engineers, Mobil Lubricant Analysis help you make the best, most informed decisions, and includes a programme specifically tailored to wind turbine applicationsiii.

Mobil Serv Real Time, meanwhile, offers a next-gen condition monitoring tool that can transform oil maintenance with live information and actionable insights. Providing live oil analysis, this solution monitors lubricant health remotely, in real-time, with instant alerts that can help operators to make swift decisions and protect the most critical assets.

For more information on wind turbine lubricants, download the free paper below.

  1. https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-businesses/industrial/lubricant-expertise/resources/dnv-glsecond-certification-wec-performance
  2. https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/product/mobil-shc-gear-320-wt
  3. Mobil: Our world revolves around you – Advanced solutions to keep your blades turning, 2023

*Maintenance costs may vary and are based on application-specific operating conditions. Not a guarantee of financial performance. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used. Refer to OEM application requirements and oil drain intervals for your equipment.