Compact Hydrodynamic Converter Design for Subsea Applications
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Summary
Problems
Hydrodynamic speed/torque converters with adjustable vanes face challenges in minimizing radial and axial space requirements and reducing power loss due to components crossing the high-energy flow circuit, particularly in subsea applications.
Innovation solutions
The actuating drive is integrated into the core space, using ring elements coaxial to the drive shaft to transmit adjusting forces, with a compact design that includes pressure chambers for hydraulic actuation and minimal mechanical components, allowing for stepless and sensitive adjustability of the vanes.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If an adjustment device with an adjustment shaft extending radially through the core chamber is used to adjust guide vanes, then the vanes can be adjusted during operation, but the radial and axial installation space requirements increase significantly
Why choose this principle:
The adjustment shaft is repositioned from a radial extension through the core chamber to an axial arrangement at the inlet side of the converter. This dimensional change allows the adjustment mechanism to be integrated into the existing axial space at the inlet flange, eliminating the need for additional radial and axial space that would be required for a radial adjustment shaft configuration.
Principle concept:
If an adjustment device with an adjustment shaft extending radially through the core chamber is used to adjust guide vanes, then the vanes can be adjusted during operation, but the radial and axial installation space requirements increase significantly
Why choose this principle:
The inlet flange structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the connection interface for the drive shaft, houses the adjustment device for guide vane control, and maintains the structural integrity of the converter housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms that would require additional installation space.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
The actuating drive is integrated into the core space, using ring elements coaxial to the drive shaft to transmit adjusting forces, with a compact design that includes pressure chambers for hydraulic actuation and minimal mechanical components, allowing for stepless and sensitive adjustability of the vanes.
Abstract
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic converter having at least one pump wheel that can be rotated about an axis of rotation, one turbine wheel that can be rotated about an axis of rotation, and one stator, which form a working chamber for forming a hydrodynamic circulating flow, through which working chamber operating medium can flow, wherein the stator has at least one adjustment blade or blade segment that can be adjusted by an adjustment device. The invention is characterized in that the adjustment device comprises an adjustment drive, which is arranged in the core space of the circulating flow and which is coupled to the at least one adjustment blade or the adjustable blade segment in order to transmit an adjustment force.