ABSTRACT
Challenges for wind turbine lubrication are multifold. First, the wind farms are usually located in remote areas; secondly, the turbines are very tall; and thirdly, the ambient conditions in which they operate and the loads and vibrations to which components are exposed, are relatively harsh. All these conditions represent serious reliability challenges for installed wind turbine fleet. Newer multi-megawatt wind turbine with larger blade diameters and tower heights, increased pitch control, and greater focus on offshore siting impose new challenges to bearing and lubricant manufacturers for wind turbines. Strong threaded connections are found practically everywhere in wind turbines, in nacelle frame joint, in front and rear main journal bearings, in pitch bearing fasten bolts, in gearbox, drives, and cooler units. Wind turbines are highly engineered, sophisticated pieces of machinery operating in harsh environments.
