(3) Maximizing Efficiency and Reliability in the Wind Industry with Klüber Lubricants

The wind industry relies on the smooth and reliable operation of its machinery to generate clean energy. One crucial aspect of ensuring optimal performance is the use of high-quality lubricants. Klüber Lubricants, a leading manufacturer of specialty lubricants, offers a range of innovative products specifically designed for the wind industry. In this article, we will explore Klüber's lubrication solutions for various components in the wind turbines, focusing on primary applications such as bearing lubrication, gear lubrication, and slew ring drives.

1. Blade Pitch Bearings: Klüber offers specialized lubricants that ensure smooth operation and precise control of the blade pitch mechanism, allowing wind turbines to capture the maximum amount of wind energy

2. Generator Bearings: Klüber's lubrication solutions for generator bearings provide exceptional protection against wear, corrosion, and excessive friction, promoting reliable and efficient power generation.

3. Main Bearings: By utilizing high-performance lubricants, Klüber enables wind turbines to withstand heavy loads and operate under extreme conditions, thereby enhancing the longevity of main bearings.

4. Traction Motor Bearings: Klüber's lubricants minimize friction and wear in traction motor bearings, optimizing the performance and energy efficiency of wind turbines.

5. Yaw System Bearings: Klüber lubrication solutions for yaw system bearings ensure smooth rotation and accurate alignment, facilitating optimal wind tracking for increased energy output.

6. Yaw System Open Gear: The specialized lubricants offered by Klüber for yaw system open gears provide excellent protection against wear, pitting, and corrosion, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.

The various Klüber lubricant brands used are:

- Klüberplex BEM 41-131 N: Klüberplex BEM 41-131 N is a specially formulated lubricant designed for main bearings in wind turbines. Its high load-carrying capacity and excellent resistance to water and corrosion make it ideal for demanding operating conditions. By reducing friction and wear, Klüberplex BEM 41-131 N extends the service life of main bearings, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

- Klüberplex BEM 41-141: Another reliable choice for main bearings is Klüberplex BEM 41-141. This advanced lubricant offers excellent protection against wear, even under extreme loads and temperatures. Its long-lasting performance ensures smooth operation and contributes to the overall efficiency of wind turbines.

- ISOFLEX TOPAS L 152: ISOFLEX TOPAS L 152 is a long-life lubricating grease suitable for applications in the wind industry. This high-performance grease provides reliable protection against wear, corrosion, and oxidation. Its exceptional low-temperature behavior and resistance to water make it an excellent choice for yaw and pitch bearings, ensuring trouble-free operation in harsh environmental conditions.

- KLUBERBIO LG 39-701 N: KLUBERBIO LG 39-701 N is a biodegradable grease specially developed for the lubrication of generator bearings in wind turbines. With its excellent anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, this environmentally friendly lubricant ensures reliable performance while minimizing environmental impact. KLUBERBIO LG 39-701 N is an ideal choice for wind farms that prioritize sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.

- KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461: KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461 is a high-temperature lubricating grease designed for applications with high loads and temperatures. Its exceptional thermal stability and resistance to oxidation and aging make it suitable for gearboxes in wind turbines. By providing reliable lubrication under extreme conditions, KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461 contributes to the longevity and efficiency of gear systems.

- KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-100 N: KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-100 N is a synthetic high-temperature grease formulated for the lubrication of rolling and plain bearings. Its outstanding oxidation resistance and wide temperature range make it ideal for applications in wind turbines, where components are subject to varying loads and temperatures. KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-100 N ensures extended maintenance intervals and reduced downtime, optimizing the productivity of wind farms.

Bearings

Primary application:

Blade pitch bearings (Klüberplex BEM 41-131 N, Klüberplex BEM 41-141)

Generator Bearings (Klüberplex BEM 41-131 N, Klüberplex BEM 41-141)

Main Bearings (Klüberplex BEM 41-141, Klüberplex BEM 41-301)  

Traction Motor Bearings (ISOFLEX TOPAS L 152, KLUBERSYNTH BHP 72-102) 

Yaw System Bearings (KLUBERBIO LG 39-701 N, KLUBERPLEX BEM 41-141)

Yaw System Open Gear (KLUBERBIO LG 39-701 N, KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461, KLUBERSYNTH AG 14-61)

Enclosed Gears

Primary application:

Main Gear Box (Klüber Summit Varnasolv, KLUBERPLUS Z 03-30 US, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-320 N, KLUBERSYNTH GH 6-320)

Yaw and Pead Drives (KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-150 N, Klübersynth GEM 4-220 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-320 N, KLUBERSYNTH GH 6-150, KLUBERSYNTH GH 6-220, KLUBERSYNTH GH 6-320)

Gear

Primary application:

Blad peach open gear (KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461, KLUBERSYNTH AG 14-61)

Gear Lubrification (KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-100 N, Klübersynth GEM 4-1000 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-150 N, Klübersynth GEM 4-220 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-32 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-320 N)

Gear motor (KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-100 N, Klübersynth GEM 4-1000 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-150 N, Klübersynth GEM 4-220 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-32 N, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-320 N)

Main gearbox (Klüber Summit Varnasolv, KLUBERPLUS Z 03-30 US, KLUBERSYNTH GEM 4-320 N, KLUBERSYNTH GH 6-320)

Yaw system open gear (KLUBERBIO LG 39-701 N, KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461, KLUBERSYNTH AG 14-61)

Slew Ring Drives and slip rings

Primary application:

Slew ring drive (KLUBERPLEX AG 11-461, KLUBERSYNTH AG 14-61) 

Slip rings (KLUBERALFA YM 3-30 SPRAY)

Conclusion:

The wind industry demands reliable and efficient performance from its equipment, and the choice of lubricants plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Klüber Lubricants offers a comprehensive range of high-quality lubricants specifically designed for wind turbines. Whether it's main bearings, yaw and pitch bearings, generator bearings, or gearboxes, Klüber lubricants such as Klüberplex, ISOFLEX, KLUBERBIO, and KLUBERSYNTH provide exceptional protection against wear, corrosion, and extreme operating conditions. By selecting the right Klüber lubricants, wind farm operators can maximize the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of their equipment, ultimately contributing to the growth of renewable energy.