The Future Is Wind

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In response to the global warming crisis and the drive for more renewable sources of energy, the United States has invested billions in offshore and onshore wind power installations in recent years. Wind power has several advantages over alternative energy sources, including higher affordability, reduced air pollution, and preserved water resources. Wind power is now one of the fastest-growing energy sectors within the United States and is expected to be a viable source of renewable electricity in all 50 states by 2050.  


The growing demand for wind energy and wind turbines will impact the need for high-performing wind turbine oils. Afton understands the challenges faced by oil marketers and stays at the forefront of wind turbine technology by working in close collaboration with leading institutes and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). These include Argonne National Laboratory, Imperial College London, and Cambridge and Southampton Universities. Afton is also involved with wind power industry bodies, including FVA, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Afton has proven additive technology and technical experience to help guide you in formulating and meeting OEM and industry specifications. 
 

Formulating Wind Turbine Oil

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Wind turbine gearboxes are subjected to extreme operating conditions and high loads. Their maintenance is difficult, and failures are costly. For these reasons, wind turbine oil specifications are more stringent than other industrial gear oils. It is increasingly common to formulate wind turbine oils with synthetic base stocks to extend lubricant life and reduce maintenance intervals. Additives play important roles in providing extreme-pressure and anti-wear protection, reducing micropitting, preventing rust and corrosion, reducing foam, and removing sludge and contaminants for clean-gear performance. 

Qualifying Wind Turbine Oil 

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While formulating wind turbine oil is relatively simple with assistance from an additive manufacturer, getting wind turbine oil approved with an OEM is time-consuming and often challenging. Wind turbine oils require extensive testing for OEM fluid approvals. Wind turbine oil specifications are governed by OEMs, and each OEM has separate manufacturing, oil specifications, and people for fluid approvals. Most testing must be done at an approved testing facility, and most turbine oil approvals require compatibility testing with paints and seals; wear testing, including a micropitting test and FZG scuffing load test; filtration testing; an extended Flender foam test; bearing manufacturer approval; and a field trial. 

Below is a list of the key wind turbine oil specifications.  

If you have an interest in formulating wind turbine oil, contact us to speak with a technical representative. 

Product Spotlight: HiTEC^® 307

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HiTEC^® 307 from Afton Chemical is a specialized wind turbine additive that provides extended performance to wind turbine oils.  

Why Use HiTEC^® 307 in Your Wind Turbine Formulation? 

• Provides clean-gear performance in extreme conditions 

• Retains phosphorus for extended wear protection 

• Low chlorine content 

• Superior micropitting performance as specified by Flender AG 

• Approved by SKF and FAG in PAO/ester base oils 

• Afton’s decades of experience and technical expertise