Wind:
Addressing Wind Turbine Drivetrain Reliability Issues

Wind Turbine

Our research is focused on addressing the drivetrain reliability issues that are plaguing the industry and presenting a critical barrier to achieving DOE’s goal of 20% wind energy by 2030.

Specifically, the harsh operating conditions of wind turbine drivetrains are exceeding the capabilities of the materials and lubricants that are used in current turbines, leading to early system failures. Therefore, more advanced materials, lubricants, and surface treatment technologies will be needed to meet the higher performance, durability, and efficiency targets of current and future wind turbines.

We address issues related to drivetrain component failure through the development of novel materials and lubricants that are tailored for the harsh operating conditions of wind turbine applications. Specifically, we use a combinatorial approach, encompassing not only a revolutionary surface treatment (ultra-fast and ultra-thick boriding for the material side) but also a novel nano-lubrication (ultra-nano-boron technology for the lubricant side) that together can eliminate much of the materials and lubrication-related problems (e.g., micropitting, fatigue cracking, scuffing, abrasive and fretting wear, as well as erosion and corrosion) in the drivetrain components of wind turbines.

In this research area, we partner with NREL’s National Wind Technology Center (NWTC), Northwestern University, Bodycote Thermal Processing Inc., Beyta Gear Company, Dow Corning, and Shell Global Solutions, Inc.

September 2010