Remote and automatic lubrication of a wind turbine’s hard to access bearing system is now provided by SKF’s Condition Based Lubrication. This is an interface enabling a connection between the Condition Monitoring (SKF WindCon) and SKF or Lincoln Lubrication systems (SKF Windlub).
Reacting to the problems detected by the CMS, SKF Condition Based Lubrication allows a lubrication pump to initiate additional lubrication cycles to the existing time-based cycle. A condition monitoring specialist can set the proper alarm settings to trigger additional lubrication cycles.
It allows the SKF WindCon system to monitor lubrication pumps and components, including pump status and grease levels. If failures such as empty or blocked pumps or torn feed lines are detected, operators are notified immediately.
This early detection of lubrication failures working in combination with automatic lubrication will naturally avoid unnecessary and inconvenient maintenance operations, explains the company.
