Sep 9 2009
Further highlighting its leadership in the field of wind turbine lubrication technology, ExxonMobil today announced that its Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 has received approval for second-fill applications in Winergy gearboxes featured in GE 1.5 MW turbines.
ExxonMobil’s wind turbine lubricants are helping to enable a more diverse energy portfolio for power generation. Currently used in more than 25,000 wind turbines worldwide, Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 is a high-performance synthetic gearbox oil that delivers exceptional oxidation resistance, a naturally high viscosity index and excellent low temperature fluidity, helping to extend lubricant life and equipment reliability. In addition, Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 contains a proprietary additive system designed to provide excellent protection against conventional wear modes like scuffing and micropitting. This performance attribute can help lead to less wear on critical parts and translates into valuable cost savings. By contributing to reduced unscheduled downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extended oil life, ExxonMobil's lubricants allow wind turbines to generate more energy.
Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 received this approval from Winergy, a leading manufacturer of wind turbine gear units, based on the product’s performance during more than 30 rigorous industry tests that mimic up-tower conditions for turbines’ gears, bearings, seals, filters and surface coatings. This approval confirms that Winergy has recognized Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 can be used in its wind turbine gearboxes. The gearbox oil has also passed second-fill approvals to be used in Bosch-Rexroth and Moventas gearboxes used in GE 1.5 MW turbines that are under warranty.
“ExxonMobil dedicates significant global resources to formulating lubricants that provide exceptional equipment protection for even some of the most extreme applications,” says Fred Mitchell, global equipment builder engineer, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties. “We are happy that a leading gear unit manufacturer like Winergy recognizes our strides in lubricant performance and are proud that our wind turbine lubricants are helping to enable a more diverse energy portfolio for power generation.”
To ensure long-lasting lubricant performance and uninterrupted operation, ExxonMobil worked with both Winergy and GE Wind Energy to develop qualified refill and conversion procedures for employing Mobilgear SHC XMP 320.