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Dow Corning Technology Helps Produce Clean, Renewable
Power
Silicones from Dow Corning are helping wind energy
become one of the world’s fastest growing sources of renewable power with
technologies that improve turbine reliability, increase efficiency and
reduce costs. In 2007, capacity expansions in North America, Europe and
China drove a 27 percent increase in global wind energy use, according to the
latest Vital Sign Update from the Worldwatch Institute.
 Converting wind energy to electricity is
relatively simple: blades on a turbine shaft turn a generator to produce
electricity. However, effectively producing a significant amount of clean,
renewable power can strain components such as hydraulic circuits, brakes,
blades and bearings.
“The cost of alternative energy sources must be weighed against existing
technologies, so factors such as reliability, remote monitoring and ease of
maintenance are critical factors for operators of wind turbines,” said Suzanne
Fuson, global market director, Dow Corning. “High-efficiency lubrication is
critical to ensure reduced maintenance and long-term reliability of wind power
technologies.”
Friction between wind turbine components can drastically reduce efficiency,
making proper lubrication and maintenance essential to maximize energy output.
Specially formulated silicone lubricants, such as Molykote® brand lubricants from Dow
Corning, are designed to meet these extreme demands.
Well-lubricated parts not only are more reliable and can withstand longer
service intervals, but also have a higher level of efficiency than poorly
lubricated assemblies. Combined with sleeker and more modern designs that
incorporate longer blades, taller towers and improved mechanical and electrical
components, proper lubrication ensures that that assemblies are running at peak
performance.
“From industrial
plants to wind powered turbines, new advances in silicone lubricants and
proper lubrication programs have helped manufacturers and consumers reduce their carbon
footprint,” said Fuson. “As the need for more wind farms and
renewable sources of energy increases, silicones will continue to play a vital
role in growing wind energy as a critical part of a balanced energy
future.”
About Dow Corning
Dow Corning provides
performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000
customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and
innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the
company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow
Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and
Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside
the United States.
For further information, please direct inquiries to one of our media
representatives.
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