Making wind turbine lubricants
Challenges: Manufacturing lubricants for the wind industry provides plenty of opportunities – and challenges. To compete in the marketplace, your lubricants must meet increasing demand for long drain intervals and reliable performance in extreme conditions, especially in low temperatures. They must handle larger loads from larger turbines in smaller gear boxes.
How we can help: To help you meet – and exceed – these demands, we provide state-of-the-art synthetic base stocks, including next-generation SpectraSyn Elite™ metallocene polyalphaolefin (mPAO) developed using our proprietary metallocene catalyst technology. SpectraSyn Elite mPAO provides higher viscosity index (VI), enhanced film thickness, improved low temperature fluidity and lower foaming than conventional high viscosity PAOs.
You can also rely on us for world-class technical expertise that help you gain a competitive edge.
Lubricant solutions
Wind turbine gear oil
- Optimize base stock and additive compatibility
- Perform initial testing and obtain industrial gear oil approvals
Wind turbine grease
Market trends
The wind turbine market continues to evolve, producing more energy than ever before. Two trends have significant impact on wind turbine lubricants.
Read our report on wind industry lubrication trends ›
1. Larger turbines
OEMs are designing larger wind turbines to increase power generation efficiency. Additionally, OEMs are minimizing weight by decreasing the size of gearboxes, which lower sump volumes. Larger loads + smaller sumps = increased stress on lubricants.
2. Remote locations
Good locations for new wind farms are tougher to find. Operators are forced to build in more remote areas in extreme conditions. Lubricants, therefore, must perform at wider temperature ranges. They must last longer, too, given the difficulties – and costs – of maintenance in remote areas. More than ever, lubricant performance is critical.
Inside insights
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Wind turbine lubricants
Because many wind turbines are located in remote areas, operators want longer-lasting lubricants to minimize costly and challenging maintenance. Find out how synthetic base stocks can help.
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The enhanced oxidative stability of metallocene polyalphaolefin
Base stocks with improved oxidative stability lead to better energy efficiency, improved oil drain intervals and less oil make up. In this whitepaper ExxonMobil experts test and compare the oxidative stability of mPAO to cPAO base stocks in severe operating conditions
Watch the video -
Case study – wind turbine maintenance
Tianjin Sure Energy extends equipment life and reduces wind turbine maintenance with SpectraSyn Elite™ mPAO.
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Case study – technical solutions
Dalian Hilubo uses ExxonMobil technical expertise and SpectraSyn Elite™ mPAO to succeed in competitive wind turbine marketplace.
Watch the video
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SpectraSyn Elite™ mPAO
High-viscosity metallocene polyalphaolefin base stock provides high performance at a wide temperature range and exceptional low-temperature properties.
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SpectraSyn Plus™ PAO
Advanced low-viscosity synthetic base stock for low volatility and low-temperature fluidity to produce advanced lubricants.
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SpectraSyn™ Hi Vis PAO
High viscosity base stock especially suited for industrial oils requiring high stability under harsh operating conditions.
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SpectraSyn™ Low Vis PAO
Low viscosity base stock offering low-temperature fluidity, low volatility and improved thermal stability.
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Synesstic™ AN
Alkylated naphthalene base stock often used as blend component for additive solvency, seal compatibility and hydrolytic stability.
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Esterex™ esters
Organic esters are well-suited as a blend component for additive solvency, seal compatibility or biodegradability.
Use our selector to find the right base stock for your needs ›