15a Biodegradable Lubricant from Esterified Propoxylated Glycerol

The Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIC program targets the critical need for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) within the hydropower industry. This initiative is rooted in addressing environmental risks associated with traditional petroleum-based lubricants while meeting the lubrication needs of the hydropower industry. The overarching objective of this project is to commercialize esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG) base oils for EAL formulations tailored specifically for hydropower applications. Building upon the groundwork laid in previous phases, Phase I focused on the development and characterization of EPG base oils. Phase II saw the formulation and rigorous testing of Hydro T-ELÖ, a turbine EAL, demonstrating exceptional performance in lab and rig tests. Phase IIB expanded on these efforts, broadening characterization and conducting field trials to bolster customer acceptance. Transitioning into Phase IIC, the project's focal point is executing a comprehensive commercialization strategy aimed at reducing adoption risks and fortifying the business case for EPG-based lubricants. This entails formulating and testing EPG-based lubricants for applications with lower risk profiles within hydropower facilities, leveraging established relationships to facilitate adoption, and emphasizing market penetration. Additional field demonstrations and installations of Secondary Polyol Ester® (SPEÖ) based EALs will instill greater confidence in Hydro T-EL's viability as a replacement for current lubricants. Identifying lower-risk applications and focusing on new installations where material compatibility can be tested pre-installation are key strategies. Improve the Business Case: Generating performance data for SPE-based EALs compared to incumbent technologies is crucial. Rigorous testing across subsystems or full-scale equipment will highlight key differentiators such as improved efficiency, decreased maintenance costs, and increased lifetime. Beyond turbines, the project acknowledges the broader spectrum of lubricant usage in hydropower facilities. By providing a comprehensive suite of EAL lubricants, including those for hydraulic systems, gear-driven equipment, and bearings, the Phase IIC program aims to enhance environmental sustainability while exceeding performance standards across all applications within the hydropower industry. The anticipated commercial applications and benefits of this project include widespread adoption of EAL technology in the hydropower industry, leading to reduced environmental impact, improved operational efficiency, and expanded market opportunities for EPG-based lubricants beyond hydropower applications. Overall, this project represents a pivotal step towards advancing a public purpose by addressing environmental concerns, enhancing regulatory compliance, and fostering sustainability within the hydropower sector.