Shell Lubricants unveiled a new synthetic gearbox oil for wind turbines in the U.S. market at AWEA WINDPOWER 2019 in Houston, Texas.
With a 10-year warranty, Shell Omala S5 Wind can help to extend operational uptime and reduce unplanned breakdown by offering enhanced protection.
“70 percent of U.S. power businesses don’t realize that effective lubrication can lead to shorter periods of equipment downtime, having negative ramifications on the bottom-line,” said Warren Cates, senior research scientist at Shell. “Improving this aspect of equipment maintenance can make a significant impact on profitability. Shell’s range of wind turbine gearbox lubricants are designed specifically for exceptional oil life under various extreme conditions, as is demanded by America’s varied climate.”
Gearbox operations and management can be particularly demanding, often in remote locations and challenging weather conditions. They must withstand extremes of hot and/or cold climates, water, dust, and fluctuating wind speeds. These severe conditions and varying loads can cause damage to the gearboxes, including micro-pitting. If a gearbox failure occurs, it can cause significant equipment downtime, leading to monetary loss. With more than 56,600 wind turbines now active across 41 states, with a combined capacity of 97,223 MW, operational efficiency has never been of more importance in the US.
“Shell products have been specifically developed for gearboxes, bearings, and other moving parts of wind turbines,” Cates said. “These sector-specific applications have particular demands and can carry a high penalty for poor reliability, especially if they are in remote locations. The robust wear and corrosion protection Shell Omala S5 Wind offers can help extend the service life of the gearboxes, while innovative foam control and optimal filterability also help to reduce gear and bearing damage. The lubricant’s 10-year warranty gives operators and equipment manufacturers alike the peace of mind that fewer oil changes during a wind turbine’s lifecycle, and consistent protection against equipment wear, can be achieved.”
In addition to lubricant products, Shell Lubricants’ offering also includes on-site technical support and oil monitoring and reliability services to help operators run their plants as efficiently as possible.
MORE INFO www.shell.us/business-customers/lubricants-for-business/products/shell-omala-gear-oils.html
