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TECH INSIGHTS OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE LUBRICATION companies like mine have been able to draw from our ex- life testing, and optimization, we’ve been able to develop pertise in sectors like automotive to craft solutions tailored a product and top-treats package that offers performance to the challenges of wind energy. and protection for the equipment’s lifetime. To validate this, we’ve been through a rigorous DNV audit, with Mo-

Te Quest for Longer ODIs bil SHC™ Gear 320 WindPower receiving certifcations

Today, much like the automotive industry, extending for lifetime lubrication (DE-DNV-SE-0074-10516) and oil drain intervals (ODIs) is a key ambition for wind op- WEC resistance (DE-DNV-SE-0074-11037). This in- erators, OEMs, and lubrication manufacturers. With stiff novation not only helps reduce operational and main- competition from other energy sources, effciency is criti- tenance costs, but also has the potential to cut oil usage cal to extracting every electron from a wind turbine - at and waste. By offering lifetime ODI capability, the prod- the lowest possible cost and in an environmentally respon- uct can deliver an estimated 80% reduction in Global sible manner. Extended ODIs can help reduce service fre- Warming Potential (GWP) compared to a product with quency, safety risks and costs while generating less used an ODI of fve years. oil. Signifcant advances have been made in this area: lead-

Innovation ing manufacturers have progressed from wind turbine gear oils with a three-to-fve-year lifespan two decades ago to When we fnally hit the ceiling of what’s possible for products with a ten-year warranty a decade later. This leap a wind turbine power-wise, only its internal components forward represents a huge cost and time saving, allowing will be able to help extract more power and value. With operators’ maintenance teams to prioritise higher-value this in mind, the industry's focus on reducing costs and tasks that keep turbines running effciently and proftably. waste while ensuring proftability very much aligns with

As we look ahead, the pressing question is: how long can a advanced lubrication solutions with the potential to en- wind turbine gear oil truly last? hance maintenance effciency. Collaboration between

OEMs and component suppliers remains essential to en- sure compatibility and synergy among the materials used

Pioneering ‘Lifetime Lubrication’

In line with the requirements of leading turbine OEMs in turbines, preventing unexpected failures. Organisations and owner operators, we now view wind turbine gear oil such as APQP4Wind are also playing a vital role in quality in a completely different way. Traditionally, it was seen standardisation and process simplifcation, ensuring con- as a disposable component, replaced periodically. We’re sistent standards across the industry. advocating an approach that treats lubricants as valu-

Unlocking Future Potential able assets – to be maintained alongside the equipment itself. This shift involves introducing specialized addi- The future of wind energy hinges on the drive to in- tives, known as "top-treats," to rejuvenate the gear oil novate beyond traditional boundaries. Within this, lubri- over time. By supplementing durable base stocks with cation technology deserves a strong emphasis, given its these performance-enhancing "vitamins," we can signif- historical problem-solving role. I would urge OEMs and cantly extend the lubricant's lifespan. And so, instead of operators to demand more from their lubrication suppli- transporting cumbersome oil drums for expensive and ers, challenging them to provide cutting-edge technology time-consuming replacements, technicians can use small and support in solving emerging operational challenges. bottles of a top-treat such as Mobil Xtra WT. It’s an in- By following the example set by the automotive sector, novation that has been a decade in development, with the wind industry has the opportunity to revolutionize detailed analysis of thousands of oils that have been re- maintenance effciency by embracing the fundamental placed in the feld, and one that I truly believe is poised role of advanced oils and greases, and prioritising col- to revolutionize turbine maintenance. laboration. By inspiring and adopting lubrication break-

DNV-certifed to achieve more with less throughs, we can collectively push the boundaries of tur-

Returning to my earlier question, I am thrilled that, to- bine effciency, lower costs and solidify the future of wind day, we have a solution that can match the lifespan of your energy as a reliable and cost-effective source of renewable turbine. Following over six years of research, accelerated energy for future generations.

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