A concept for comparison of new and aged lubricants in transmissions of electric vehicles and a method of oil aging on a test rig

Abstract

AbstractCurrently, the demand for electric vehicles is growing. In order to make them even more environmentally friendly, there is the possibility to replace conventional transmission oils with sustainable alternatives that must have at least the same positive properties. Therefore, the properties of a conventional oil must be determined. In this publication, which is part of a larger project, the properties of conventional oil are measured and evaluated at different stages of aging using suitable measurement methods. A test program is designed and carried out including various laboratory equipment such as a rheometer or a tribometer. The results of the investigation of the conventional oil show that there are differences between new and used conditions, even if these are small, as expected from a professional oil. In addition, a test rig setup with a specified load collective is presented to age oil on a test rig. Based on this, the sustainable oil can be aged, tested, and compared with the conventional lubricant in the further course of the project.