Role of Eco-Friendly Bio-Based Graphene-Oil Nanofluids on Friction Reduction for Wind Turbine Application

Abstract

Sustainable energy such as wind turbine is known as a green technology that minimize the carbon emission into environment. However, unwanted friction and wear in journal bearing of a wind turbine’s gearbox leads to reduction of power efficiency and increase the reliance onto fossil-fuel powered electricity. Lubricating oils are used in journal bearing to provide the hydrodynamic lubrication film. However, commercially available lubricants are petroleum-based, which are non-replenishable and toxic. Thus, the bio-degradable vegetable oil, high oleic palm oil-based methyl ester (high oleic POME) was used as a base oil synthesized with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and nanostructured graphite (NSG), respectively, to enhance the friction and wear reduction. The tribological performance of each type of bio-based graphene-oil nanofluid was studied using pin-on-ring tribo-tester. It is concluded that NSG in high oleic POME shows 52.03% friction coefficient reduction and 59.27% pin specimen weight loss reduction. With this significant friction and wear reduction, power efficiency of wind turbine will be improved significantly. Thus, the reliance of society depending on fossil-fuel powered electricity can be reduced and minimize the carbon emission into the environment.

Review of Tribological Failure Analysis and Lubrication Technology Research of Wind Power Bearings

“…This is further evidence that solid lubricants still have a lot of room for development. In order to decrease lubricant contamination and toxicity, Ng et al [ 132 ] synthesized high oleic acid POME with graphene nanoparticles (GNP), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and nano-structured graphite (NSG), respectively. Experiments showed that the graphene nanoparticles in high oleic acid had a significant reduction in friction and wear.…”

The Optimization Study of Rheological Characteristics of Wind Power Grease Based on Gel-State

“…They concluded experimentally that the grease lubricant with a low base oil viscosity and high bleed rate had the best anti-wear characteristics. Ng et al [30] experimentally concluded that graphene nanoparticles in high oleic acid can significantly reduce the friction and wear of bearings. Saidi et al [31] prepared MoS 2 nanolubricant additives.…”