In the majority of wind turbines (German: “Windenergieanlagen” or “WEA”) in use around the world, a gear mechanism is located between the rotor shaft and the generator. The gear mechanism is the central mechanical component in the nacelle of a WEA. Depending on the size of the system the “gear boxes” are filled with 200 to 700 liters of oil, in large offshore systems amounts as high as 1,000 liters. Normally pressure lubrication is implemented here, by which an outer pump constantly circulates the oil and moves it to the depositories. Since all technical elements of a WEA are subject to great stress, damage to the oil systems of the turbines is not unusual. In such cases great amounts of oil are released inside the nacelle, which then find their way to the outside of the turbine through the small space between the nacelle and the tower. The gear oil runs down the tower, but is broken up by wind and rain and can contaminate large spaces in the surrounding area. Rotor Rope GmbH (Grömitz) has now developed an oil collection system (OSC) which prevents the uncontrolled release of oil securely. It is attached as a ring around the tower, immediately under the nacelle, and is filled with a highly effective binding agent which collects and secures the oil safely, but allows water to run through.
