Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed lubricant additives that protect both water turbine equipment and the environment. With a large amount of lubricating oil consumed in the United States annually, there is concern about the environmental impact of these oils. To address this issue, researchers have created nontoxic, biodegradable lubricant additives using ionic liquids that show promising results in reducing friction and equipment wear while meeting environmental standards. This work builds on previous research at ORNL and aims to improve the performance of lubricants for water power turbines.
The team focused on creating a cleaner formula for the lubricant additives by eliminating potentially toxic elements and utilizing shorter hydrocarbon chains. Friction testing was conducted using metal pieces to simulate turbine gears and bearings, and the resulting wear was evaluated using electron microscopy. The additives were produced and tested for toxicity and biodegradability, with promising results showing high performance and minimal environmental impact compared to conventional lubricant additives. These additives are considered straightforward to produce and can be easily scaled up for commercialization.
Toxicity and biodegradability tests were conducted on water fleas to assess the impact of the lubricant additives on aquatic organisms. While environmentally acceptable lubricant base oils had no effect on the organisms, the commercial lubricant additives and early IL compounds were found to be extremely toxic. The top-performing IL-enhanced lubricants showed significantly higher survival rates and were highly biodegradable, demonstrating their potential as environmentally friendly options for marine energy turbines. This is crucial for ensuring equipment durability and efficiency in harsh marine environments.
The development of high-performing, environmentally friendly lubricants specifically designed for marine energy turbines is essential for equipment durability and minimizing environmental impact. The current lubricant technology used in marine turbines was adapted from wind turbines, but the harsh conditions present in marine environments require specialized lubricants for optimal performance. The future focus of the project will be on further developing IL lubricant additives for tidal turbines operating in oceans and rivers, where they are exposed to seawater contamination and extreme pressure and temperature conditions. This research aims to address the unique challenges faced by marine energy turbines and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
