(Image Courtesy of the Site Selection Energy Report at siteselection.com)
Several of our more recent posts have dealt with developments in gear manufacturing as it relates to renewable energy, most notably in the field of wind energy. It is likely that these two technologies will continue to walk hand-in-hand into the future in which both industries will develop a symbiotic relationship. The Windpower 2010 conference was recently held in Dallas, Texas where several burgeoning new technologies were revealed, and the importance of the evolution of gear technology was evident in the demonstrations that were displayed. Of particular interest is the development of a new lubricant from Kluber Lubrications which can handle the varying lubrication requirements of individual bearing applications within a wind power station. As is quoted in the article from Gear Technology Magazine:
"The Klüberplex BEM 41-141 is a beige grease that features a special blend of base oil and additives to cover the varying lubrication requirements of the individual bearing applications within wind power stations. These include pitch and yaw bearings (high stresses, oscillations, vibrations), main bearings (low rpm, high stresses, vibrations), and generator bearings (high rpm and temperatures). Also on display was the Klüberplex AG 11-462, which is a gear grease that provides adhesion and protection against high loads and corrosion. The white grease lubricates the control gears for pitch and yaw systems while reducing the risk of migration inside the nacelle and onto the tower."
These new developments in lubrication technology will serve as a huge boon to the gear manufacturing industry, in which the varying thresholds and strength requirements for individual applications can sometimes lead to inaccurate calculations regarding the amount of stress a material will have to withstand. By anticipating developments in complimentary technologies, gear manufacturers will be able to assess strength requirements with improved accuracy, as adapting lubricants will allow them to cover a broader spectrum of applications. In an era where gear and wind power technologies are rapidly advancing alongside each other, it is always good news to hear about a new process which can allow all parties involve to achieve their goals in a more fluid manner.
To read the article from Gear Technology Magazine, follow the link:
0 comments:
Post a Comment