Whether perched on a hilltop, out at sea, or standing tall in a remote desert, wind turbines face extreme conditions — high winds, temperature fluctuations, moisture, and dust. The bearings and gears inside these turbines are especially vulnerable. Without proper lubrication, they suffer from increased friction and wear, leading to breakdowns and significant maintenance costs.
SKF’s automatic lubrication systems are designed to tackle these challenges head-on. By delivering the right amount of lubricant to key moving parts, they help reduce friction, keep contaminants out, and significantly extend the life of the bearings and gears. This means less downtime, fewer repairs, and ultimately, more energy production from each turbine.
What makes SKF’s lubrication systems stand out
SKF’s WindLub systems come with features that make them ideal for wind turbine applications:
- They are engineered to perform reliably under any condition. Whether in snow or blistering heat, these systems help bearings and gears remain consistently and properly lubricated.
- Unlike manual lubrication, which can be inconsistent, SKF’s automatic systems help ensure each component gets the right amount of lubricant. This protects the components and reduces the overall amount of lubricant used, which can save a lot of money — especially with high-quality lubricants.
- SKF’s systems can be fully integrated into the wind turbine’s control system, allowing operators to monitor and manage lubrication remotely. This means that if there’s a problem — like a low lubricant level or a blockage — operators are alerted immediately and can act without needing to send someone up the turbine, saving time and reducing the risk of accidents.
SKF’s lubrication systems were the first to receive GL Renewables certification, which is particularly important for offshore wind farms where reliability is paramount.
Solutions for every part of the turbine
Different parts of a wind turbine have different lubrication needs, and SKF offers a range of solutions tailored to each one.
- Pitch bearings require constant lubrication due to their continuous movement. SKF’s systems deliver lubricant efficiently, even as the rotor turns.
- Pitch open gears benefit from SKF’s lubrication pinions, which apply grease precisely to the area of contact, ensuring even lubrication across the entire cog width.
- Yaw bearings and yaw open gears are protected by automatic lubrication, which helps maintain a sufficient lubricant film to prevent excessive wear and the “stick-slip” effect when the nacelle turns.
- Main shaft bearings endure severe forces and require large quantities of lubricant, which SKF’s systems reliably supply during operation.
- Generators face high temperatures and speeds, demanding specially formulated lubricants and an efficient automatic system to maintain consistent lubrication even under extreme conditions.
- Gearboxes benefit from SKF’s circulating oil systems that not only lubricate but also cool the gearboxes, remove contaminants, and stabilize temperature, ensuring optimal performance.
One of the biggest advantages of SKF’s systems is how much they simplify maintenance. Manual lubrication is time-consuming and risky, especially when technicians must climb tall towers or work in confined spaces. SKF’s automatic systems drastically reduce the need for manual intervention, making the whole process safer and more efficient.
