Performance of lubricating oils for wind turbine gear boxes and bearings

In this study, the friction and wear properties of six different new and used wind turbine gear oils (ISO VG 320), with different base oil formulations and additives packages, were investigated. For that purpose, a four-ball tribometer and an Optimol SRV were used. Moreover, the lubricants extreme pressure properties were also evaluated, using the same four-ball tribometer. The study also includes a characterization of the lubricants. The main objective was to compare the new and used gear oils in order to identify performance differences and predict oil change intervals. The results indicate that a use of 3 to 4 years is within the lifetime of the lubricant.