Entwicklung eines Sensorsystems zur kontinuierlichen Ölqualitätsmessung und Verschleißidentifikation in Getrieben und anderen Aggregaten

An oil sensor system for the continuous, online measurement of oil quality has been developed using the quality dependent parameters, electrical conductivity and permittivity. The sensor system permits the evaluation of the ‘total machine system’ by the basic approach of measuring the changes and degradation in the oil system. Warnings of critical operating conditions, such as excessive wear or lubricant acidification and also accurate indication of the need for preventive maintenance are realised. The rolling of bearings on the raceway can cause localised friction stress, resulting in the formation of sharp edged, brittle, hairline cracks. Often these are caused by only briefly prevailing conditions, e.g. high wind gusts in wind turbines. This crack formation is the first stage in the failure mechanism commonly associated with early failure of the machine. Practical measurements and calculations employing the laws of Maxwell-Garnett, Lichtenecker and Piekara support this hypothesis. Promising applications include industrial drives, wind turbines, marine gearboxes, turbines and engines, hydraulic systems and transformers. Benefits include increased uptime, reduced maintenance and an improvement in both economic and environmental efficiency. More effective utilization of machines, targeted prevention, increased serviceable life and reduced downtime are thereby realised.