Wind Turbine Lubrication Based on Parallel Control of Multiple Factors

Abstract

The lubrication needs of wind turbines vary with the operating conditions. To provide a dynamic lubrication scheme for wind turbines under variable conditions, this paper designs a dynamically adjustable lubrication scheme through parallel control of multiple influencing factors. Based on mid- and long-term loads, the proposed scheme fully considers the influence of various sudden changes in addition to slowly changing factors like load, operating hours, and speed, such as to dynamically adjust the injection flow as per the specific operating condition of the turbine. The ideal lubrication effect was tracked through the adjustment of the injection flow or injection time, and used to determine the optimal dynamic lubrication control strategy during turbine operation. The proposed control strategy overcomes the defects of the traditional fixed-time fixed-flow lubrication approach, and provides reasonable on-demand lubrication schemes for wind turbines in different operating conditions. The on-demand injection of lubricant prevents under- or over-lubrication, reduces the rate of mechanical failure, and extends the service life of wind turbines. Suffice it to say that the proposed control strategy can lower power generation cost and save energy, making wind turbines more profitable.