Wind Turbine Oil Analysis Services
Wind power is the world's largest growing energy source thanks to advancing wind turbine technology. Wind turbines have the potential to generate enough power to meet the growing need for electricity, and simultaneously reduce consumption of water and emission of pollutants such as carbon dioxide. However, barriers to widespread acceptance of wind turbines include their reliability, costs of operation and maintenance of the equipment relative to alternative means of power generation.
Oil analysis, along with other condition monitoring tools, offers the potential to effectively manage gearbox maintenance by detecting early damage as well as tracking the severity of the damage. It is for this reason that most OEMs recommend routine oil analysis as part of an effective maintenance strategy.
Reasons to analyse wind turbine oils
- Wind turbine gearbox warranties generally only last for two years, therefore maintenance programmes are vital to ensure the turbine operates for the recommended 20 years.
- Predictive maintenance prevents expensive replacement costs and down-time.
- Oil change procedures remove only 70% of the used oil, new oil then mixes with the residual used oil containing contaminants and wear metals.
- Analysis is recommended by OEM manufacturers.