Author:
Bosch J.,DellaCorte Christopher
Abstract
AbstractThis study explores the rheological and tribological behavior of water-based lubricants (WBLs) as potential alternatives for electric vehicle (EV) applications. As the transportation sector increasingly shifts towards EVs to reduce carbon emissions, the demand for efficient lubricants becomes critical. WBLs here are defined as fluids containing a minimum of 50 wt% water mixed with glycerol, ethylene glycol (MEG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), or one of two polyalkylene glycols (PAGs). Rheological properties were investigated and compared with traditional lubricating oils. Results demonstrate distinctive rheological characteristics in WBLs, with viscosity–temperature responses resembling traditional oils with lowered pressure–viscosity coefficients. Nevertheless, WBLs exhibit promising film-forming capabilities in highly loaded contacts. Additionally, in sliding contacts, WBLs generally display lower friction coefficients compared to traditional oils, with PEG exhibiting the lowest value near 0.1. These findings suggest that WBLs may offer advantages in reducing friction and energy loss in EV applications. Furthermore, sliding wear tests indicate low wear rates in WBLs such as PEG, PAG, and glycerol, supporting their potential as viable lubrication options. The study highlights the importance of high-pressure rheology and tribochemistry in wear mechanisms among the different lubricants.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Surfaces, Coatings and Films,Surfaces and Interfaces,Mechanical Engineering,Mechanics of Materials
Reference48 articles.
1. Cornwell K.: Electric drivelines challenge traditional tests. Lubes and Greases. https://www.lubesngreases.com/magazine/24_10/electric-drivelines-challenge-traditional-tests/ (2018). Accessed 30 Aug 2022
2. Farfan-Cabrera, L.I.: Tribology of electric vehicles: a review of critical components, current state and future improvement trends. Tribol. Int. 138, 473–486 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRIBOINT.2019.06.029
3. Sosa, Y.: Design requirements and challenges for single electric vehicle fluids. Tribology & Lubrication Technology. https://www.stle.org/files/TLTArchives/2023/08_August/Feature.aspx (2023). Accessed 20 Aug 2023
4. Mustafa, W.A.A., Dassenoy, F., Sarno, M., Senatore, A.: A review on potentials and challenges of nanolubricants as promising lubricants for electric vehicles. Lubr. Sci. 34, 1–29 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/LS.1568
5. Matta, C., et al.: Influence of new emerging e-fluids technologies on rolling/sliding contacts. STLE, Orlando (2022)