ORE Catapult

Studying Friction in Wind Turbine Drivetrains

What is the project:

Wind turbines have moving parts which need to be lubricated to increase efficiency and reduce wear and tear. Lubricants are tested; however, these tests don’t always account for real world conditions – such as the wind turbine not turning continuously – but starting and stopping.

You will be reviewing the start-stop effect and carry out targeted experimental testing of friction in ORE Catapult’s laboratory.

How this project is useful:

This project will provide the company with improved insight into frictional behaviour in wind turbine drivetrains under start–stop operating conditions, which are common in real-world service but often underrepresented in testing. The findings will support better-informed decisions on component design, material and lubricant selection, and testing methodologies, helping to reduce wear, maintenance costs, and unplanned downtime.

Project outcome:

Results of your friction and wear assessments
Write a technical report of your method and findings
Present findings and give recommendations for future research

Project type:

Research and Practical Investigation

To do this you will:

Review current research on wear and lubrication in wind turbines
Perform experiments on friction and wear on wind turbine components
Present your findings in a technical report and a presentation, outlining recommendations for future research or product development

Key skills:

Experimental designing
Analysing experimental results
Research
Problem solving
Interest in material science
Laboratory practice

Location:

On site at:

Offshore House, Albert St, Blyth, NE24 1LZ