222543 > Keynote speaker

Pr. Max MARIAN

Deputy Executive Director at Institute of Machine Design and Tribology at Leibniz University Hannover and Professor at Department of Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Keynote talk: Reimagining Wind Turbine Lubrication: From Life-Extended Oils to Bio-Based Greases

The reliability and sustainability of lubrication systems are critical to the long-term performance of wind turbines. This keynote explores non-conventional lubrication strategies aimed at reducing maintenance requirements and environmental impact in wind energy applications.
The first part addresses the potential for lifetime lubrication of wind turbine gearboxes through the monitoring and treatment of in-service oils. Field samples from turbines operating for up to 16 years were analyzed to assess ageing mechanisms such as additive depletion, oxidation, and changes in corrosion and wear protection. Despite measurable degradation, many oils retained acceptable performance characteristics. Supplementing used oils with targeted additive packages—known as top-treating—has shown potential in restoring key functional properties. Results from artificial ageing experiments further support the feasibility of extending oil service life with minimal impact on wear performance, highlighting the importance of proactive oil monitoring and maintenance strategies.
The second part focuses on the development of biodegradable greases for bearing applications, using palm oil as a base and renewable thickeners such as glycerol monostearate (GMS) and soywax (SW). These greases are designed to offer a balance of consistency, elasticity, and thermal stability while minimizing environmental risks. Tribological testing under conditions relevant to wind turbines—such as oscillating motion and varying contact pressures—demonstrates competitive or improved performance compared to commercial greases, particularly in boundary and fluid friction regimes.
Together, these approaches illustrate complementary pathways toward more sustainable and durable lubrication systems for wind energy technologies.

Biography:

Max Marian obtained his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degree at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. He has been Professor for Multiscale Engineering Mechanics at the Department of Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile since November 2021. Since April 2024, he is Professor and Executive Director of the Institute of Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT) of Leibniz University Hannover, Germany. His research focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability through tribology, with an emphasis on surface modification and smart systems. Besides machine elements and engine components, he expanded his fields towards biotribology and artificial joints as well as triboelectric nanogenerators. His research is particularly related to the development of numerical multiscale tribo-simulation and machine learning approaches. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals, gave numerous conference and invited talks and has been awarded with various individual distinctions as well as best paper and presentation awards. Furthermore, he was listed among the Emerging Leaders 2023 of Surface Topography: Metrology and Properties and received the prestigious Future Technology Award 2022 from Schaeffler FAG Foundation for his prospective research ideas in rolling bearing technology. Moreover, he is in the Editorial Boards from Frontiers in Chemistry Nanoscience, Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Lubricants as well as Tribology - Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces and is a member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) and in the technical-scientific advisory board the German Society for Tribology (GfT). Max Marian is a co-organizer of machine learning session at STLE’s annual meeting and he is a member of the steering committee of the International Colloquium Tribology from the Technical Academy Esslingen (TAE) as well as the Bearing World Conference.