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DOE OSTI · 2586384

Assessing the Impact of Lubrication on Efficiency and Life Cycle Economics of the US Wind Turbine Fleet: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report)

Sheng, Shawn [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000301340907)·Blumenfeld, Michael [ExxonMobil, Spring, TX (United States)]
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Abstract

As with any mechanical system, lubrication plays a key role in the performance of wind turbines used to generate electricity. The lubricant design offers a way to optimize the competing requirements of efficiency, component reliability, and maintenance strategy. This project will estimate the impact of improved lubrication on the levelized cost of energy of the US wind turbine fleet as a means of identifying opportunities for disruptive innovation or system-level optimization. The models developed will provide a clear understanding of the benefits and potential for advanced lubrication of wind turbines. The project will enable identification of high value targets for wind turbine component suppliers and a roadmap that highlights where the greatest return on technology investment can be achieved. This will promote efficient resource allocation in areas of new technology development.

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17 WIND ENERGYanalysisCRADAlife cycle economicslubrication technologymodelingwind turbine

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Sheng, Shawn [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000301340907), Blumenfeld, Michael [ExxonMobil, Spring, TX (United States)]. 2025-08-20. Assessing the Impact of Lubrication on Efficiency and Life Cycle Economics of the US Wind Turbine Fleet: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report). https://doi.org/10.2172/2586384

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