Renewable Energy - Vesconite

Vesconite Hilube bushings reduce energy costs in renewable energy applications. Turbines associated with these applications need to move rapidly and easily to produce efficient power, meaning wind, wave, tidal and current-driven turbines require a low coefficient of friction. Reduced energy losses as a result of the lower friction present in Vesconite Hilube bushings, allow turbines to rotate easily, producing electricity faster and at a reduced cost.

Benefits for
renewable energy

Vesconite Hilube has a low co-efficient of friction.

Vesconite Hilube does not require lubrication.

Vesconite Hilube does not swell or distort in water or when exposed to moisture.

Vesconite Hilube is easy to install.

Vesconite Hilube reduces running costs.

Vesconite Hilube does not corrode.

Common renewable
energy applications

Wind turbine bushings.

Tidal turbine bushings.

Wave turbine bushings.

Current-driven turbine bushings.

Ancillary underwater bushings.

Material
comparison

When comparing Vesconite Hilube to other polymers, a tidal energy producer reported that the Vesconite Hilube bushing had no problem sustaining loads, shock loads or vibration.

A tidal energy producer reported that a Vesconite Hilube bushing was able to absorb structural vibration resulting from turbulence.

The ease of fitting Vesconite bushings when compared to traditional materials assures a cost saving in terms of machine downtime.

Renewable Energy Case Studies

Vesconite ensures smoother operation of aeration windmills

USA - An aeration windmill manufacturer installed Vesconite Hilube bushings on its windmills, leading to smoother and more efficient operation. The bushings are an essential component in aeration windmills, which aerate ponds in private and public spaces, since fan rotation is key to ensuring that the diaphragm moves up; compressed air is taken in; and the compressor builds up pressure, which is released into the air line leading to the water. Because of this, the windmills are more efficient at reducing algae and foul smells, controlling mosquitos and creating a healthier environment for fish.

Canadian ocean-powered turbines fitted with Vesconite Hilube

Nova Scotia, Canada - Two mounted ocean-powered turbines are generating electricity in Nova Scotia, Canada, using Vesconite Hilube plates that make up large bushings. The ocean-powered turbines went live in November 2016, and their installation is seen as a trial of future current-powered farms that could comprise of 30 turbines. These ocean-powered turbines are expected to utilise the continuous directed streams of seawater which, circulate through the oceans, to generate electricity.The 300-t steel assembly forms an open-ended turbine and has a simple lubricant-free design with no seals or gearbox, so as to reduce maintenance requirements.

Vesconite Hilube tested by UK tidal energy company

Orkney Islands, UK - A tidal-energy generating company is testing a Vesconite Hilube bushing in one of its tidal units at the European Marine Energy Centre based in the Orkney Islands. The tidal design includes a floating hull platform that has a retractable arm attached to turbine blades. The configuration allows for easy installation, maintenance and transportation of the integrated tidal-energy generating unit since the unit becomes more aerodynamic when the turbine is retracted and becomes more flush with the floating hull platform. The Vesconite Hilube bushing is located where the retractable arm connects to the floating hull platform.

Tidal energy equipment developer chooses Vesconite Hilube

Norway - Tidal energy equipment developer Norwegian Ocean Power has successfully trialled its Pulsus horizontal-axis spiral-design tidal turbine, as part of the development of its first commercial unit. The turbines were tested dynamically for composite structure and bushing performance. The 0,5m-diameter Vesconite Hilube bearings which were installed on each end of the horizontal unit, performed well in their ability to absorb vibration. Vesconite Hilube was selected after the testing of various competing products that were less flexible and exhibited dry-run problems.

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