Gas suspension cryogenic turboexpander

Abstract

The application discloses a gas-suspension low-temperature turbine expander, which comprises a main shaft, an expansion end diffuser, an expansion end impeller, a nozzle, an expansion end volute, an expansion end cover plate, a shell, an axial displacement fixing device I, a thrust disc I, an exhaust pipeline, a thrust disc II, an axial displacement fixing device II, a braking end cover plate, a connecting pipeline, a spiral refrigeration pipeline inlet, a spiral refrigeration channel, a spiral refrigeration pipeline outlet, a braking end volute, an electric adjusting device, a sealing device, a braking end inlet flow guide section, an adjustable filter screen, a fixed filter screen, a braking end impeller, a braking end diffuser, a heat dissipation fin, a labyrinth sealing exhaust passage, an electric eddy current sensor, an air inlet pipeline, a labyrinth seal, a water pump, a water inlet pipeline and a waterway connecting pipeline. Cold energy is generated at the expansion end, and the braking end closed loop adjusts the load to ensure safe operation. The gas-suspension bearing is full-movement, and effectively supports the stable operation of the rotor at an ultrahigh rotating speed. The device can be used as a core cold production device in the liquefaction, separation and refrigeration process of helium, hydrogen, nitrogen and air. The device has compact overall structure, high environmental adaptability and high reliability, and realizes the design goals of oil-free operation and economic efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander, belonging to the field of turbine machinery technology. Background Technology

[0002] Helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and air, among other gaseous working media, have become core cold sources and working fluids in modern advanced cryogenic systems due to their ability to provide extremely low operating temperatures and their unique thermophysical properties. These cryogenic media are widely used in superconducting magnet cooling, hydrogen energy storage and transportation, aerospace, cryogenic vacuum simulation, and large-scale air separation. They can provide clean, controllable, and efficient cooling in various cryogenic temperature ranges, making them key elements supporting high-end manufacturing and scientific research.

[0003] Cryogenic turbine expanders are core refrigeration devices commonly used in the aforementioned gas liquefaction, separation, and refrigeration processes. Whether in ultra-low temperature systems in the liquid helium and liquid hydrogen temperature ranges or in industrial refrigeration systems in the liquid nitrogen and liquid air temperature ranges, the operating performance, isentropic efficiency, and mechanical stability of cryogenic turbine expanders directly determine the energy consumption level, economic benefits, and long-term operational reliability of the entire cryogenic system.

[0004] Currently, the main bearings used in the main shaft of cryogenic turbine expanders are hydrostatic gas bearings and magnetic levitation bearings. However, both of them have the characteristics of making the entire expander structure more complex, costly, difficult to maintain, and sensitive to changes in external conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an air-suspended cryogenic turbine expander, employing a fully dynamic pressure air-suspended bearing to effectively support stable rotor operation at ultra-high speeds. This device can serve as a core refrigeration unit in the liquefaction, separation, and refrigeration processes of gases such as helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and air. The device has a compact overall structure, possesses strong environmental adaptability and high reliability, and simultaneously achieves the design goals of oil-free operation and economic efficiency.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an air-suspended cryogenic turbine expander, comprising a main shaft, an expansion-end diffuser, an expansion-end impeller, a nozzle, an expansion-end volute, an expansion-end cover plate, a housing, an axial displacement fixing device I, a thrust plate I, an exhaust pipe, a thrust plate II, an axial displacement fixing device II, a brake-end cover plate, a connecting pipe, a spiral refrigeration pipe inlet, a spiral refrigeration channel, a spiral refrigeration pipe outlet, a brake-end volute, an electric adjustment device, a sealing device, a brake-end inlet guide section, an adjustable filter, a fixed filter, a brake-end impeller, a brake-end diffuser, heat dissipation fins, a labyrinth seal exhaust channel, an eddy current sensor, an intake pipe, a labyrinth seal, and an inner housing. The system includes connecting pipes, a water pump, an inlet pipe, and a water connection pipe. The expansion end volute and the braking end volute are threadedly connected to the housing. The expansion end main shaft is threadedly connected to the expansion end impeller and the braking end impeller. The expansion end diffuser, nozzle, and expansion end cover are threadedly connected. The braking end inlet guide section, braking end diffuser, and braking end cover are threadedly connected. The axial displacement fixing device I and axial displacement fixing device II are threadedly connected and used to axially fix the positions of thrust plate I and the expansion end cover, and the positions of thrust plate II and the braking end cover, respectively. All-dynamic thrust bearings are installed at thrust plate I and thrust plate II.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radial bearing housing, the expansion end cover plate, and the braking end cover plate are designed as an integrated unit, and the radial bearing is mounted on the radial bearing housing.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the thrust bearing and the radial bearing are fully dynamic air suspension bearings, which enable them to operate with low noise and without oil.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air intake pipe introduces gas into the labyrinth seal at the expansion end, thereby reducing the pressure difference on both sides of the leak and forming a sealed environment.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the labyrinth seal exhaust channel can discharge the small amount of gas still leaking from the labyrinth seal, as well as the introduced sealing gas, to avoid blockage.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the braking end adopts a closed-loop structure, which does not require continuous air supply during operation, simplifies the structure, and a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged in the housing to ensure the safe and stable operation of the braking circuit.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation fins are used to cool the high-temperature gas in the closed circuit of the braking end. The low-temperature sealing gas can flow out from the exhaust pipe and enter the spiral cooling channel through the connecting pipe. In order to simplify the structure and not add external pipes, it can also flow in through the connecting pipe inside the shell, or the water pump can introduce cooling water to further cool the high-temperature gas in the braking circuit.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water pump can adjust the cooling water flow rate, thereby controlling the temperature of the gas at the braking end and changing the braking load.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable filter screen can be automatically or manually adjusted by an electric adjustment device such as an electric servo motor to form different relative positions with the fixed filter screen for resistance adjustment, thereby forming the required braking end load.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the eddy current sensor can measure the spindle speed to ensure that the speed of the cryogenic turbine expander is within a suitable operating range during operation.

[0016] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows: This air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander adopts a fully dynamic pressure air-suspension bearing, effectively supporting the stable operation of the rotor at ultra-high speeds. This device can serve as a core refrigeration unit in the liquefaction, separation, and refrigeration processes of gases such as helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and air. The device has a compact overall structure, possesses strong environmental adaptability and high reliability, and simultaneously achieves the design goals of oil-free operation and economic efficiency. Through an optimized closed-loop structure at the braking end, the turbine expander maintains excellent mechanical efficiency and operational stability even at extremely high speeds. The entire system has a compact and reasonable structural design, which not only reduces the risk of failure caused by complex components but also demonstrates strong environmental adaptability, enabling stable operation under various harsh conditions. Furthermore, the system achieves completely oil-free operation, avoiding contamination of the refrigerant and reducing operating and maintenance costs, resulting in significant overall economic benefits. It is highly suitable for the liquid helium preparation field, where extremely high purity and energy efficiency are required. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a closed-loop brake end of an air-suspended temperature turbine expander mechanism of the present invention, which uses an external connection pipeline for sealed gas cooling.

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a closed-loop brake end of an air-suspended temperature turbine expander mechanism of the present invention, which uses sealed gas cooling through an internal connecting pipeline. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a water-cooled closed-loop circuit at the brake end of an air-suspension temperature turbine expander mechanism according to the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Main shaft; 2. Expansion end diffuser; 3. Expansion end impeller; 4. Nozzle; 5. Expansion end volute; 6. Expansion end cover plate; 7. Housing; 8. Axial displacement fixing device I; 9. Thrust plate I; 10. Exhaust pipe; 11. Thrust plate II; 12. Axial displacement fixing device II; 13. Braking end cover plate; 14. Connecting pipe; 15. Spiral refrigeration pipe inlet; 16. Spiral refrigeration channel; 17. Spiral refrigeration pipe outlet; 18. 19. Braking end volute; 20. Electric adjustment device; 21. Sealing device; 22. Braking end inlet guide section; 23. Adjustable filter screen; 24. Fixed filter screen; 25. Braking end impeller; 26. Braking end diffuser; 27. Heat dissipation fins; 28. Labyrinth seal exhaust channel; 29. ​​Eddy current sensor; 30. Air intake pipe; 31. Labyrinth seal; 32. Internal connecting pipe; 33. Water pump; 34. Water inlet pipe; 35. Water connection pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Example

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, this invention provides an air-suspended cryogenic turbine expander, comprising a main shaft 1, an expansion-end diffuser 2, an expansion-end impeller 3, a nozzle 4, an expansion-end volute 5, an expansion-end cover plate 6, a housing 7, an axial displacement fixing device I 8, a thrust plate I 9, an exhaust pipe 10, a thrust plate II 11, an axial displacement fixing device II 12, a brake end cover plate 13, a connecting pipe 14, a spiral refrigeration pipe inlet 15, a spiral refrigeration channel 16, a spiral refrigeration pipe outlet 17, a brake end volute 18, an electric adjustment device 19, a sealing device 20, a brake end inlet guide section 21, an adjustable filter 22, a fixed filter 23, a brake end impeller 24, a brake end diffuser 25, heat dissipation fins 26, a labyrinth-sealed exhaust channel 27, an eddy current sensor 28, an intake pipe 29, and a labyrinth-sealed exhaust channel 20. The system includes a palace seal 30, an internal connecting pipe 31, a water pump 32, an inlet pipe 33, and a water connecting pipe 34. The expansion end volute 5 and the braking end volute 18 are threadedly connected to the housing 7. The expansion end main shaft 1 is threadedly connected to the expansion end impeller 2 and the braking end impeller 24. The braking end diffuser 25 and the braking end cover plate 13 are threadedly connected. The axial displacement fixing device I9 and the axial displacement fixing device II12 are threadedly connected and used to fix the positions of the thrust plate I11 and the expansion end cover plate 6, and the thrust plate II12 and the braking end cover plate 13, respectively. A fully dynamic thrust bearing is installed at the thrust plate I9 and the thrust plate II11. Example

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, this is an internal connection scheme, including an internal connection pipe 31, and the electric adjustment device 19 can be an electric servo motor. Example

[0024] like Figure 3 The diagram shows a water-cooling system, including a water pump 32, an inlet pipe 33, and a water connection pipe 34. The water pump 32 is connected to the cryogenic turbine expander via the water connection pipe 34.

[0025] Furthermore, the radial bearing housing is integrated with the expansion end cover 6 and the brake end cover 13, and the radial bearing is mounted on the radial bearing housing.

[0026] Furthermore, both the thrust and radial bearings are fully dynamic air suspension bearings, which enable them to operate with low noise and without oil.

[0027] Furthermore, gas is introduced into the expansion end labyrinth seal 30 through the intake pipe 29, thereby reducing the pressure difference on both sides of the leak and creating a sealed environment.

[0028] Furthermore, the labyrinth seal venting channel 27 can expel any remaining small amount of gas leaking from the labyrinth seal, as well as the introduced sealing gas, to prevent blockage.

[0029] Furthermore, the braking end adopts a closed-loop structure, which eliminates the need for continuous air supply during operation, simplifying the structure. Pressure and temperature sensors are arranged in the housing 7 to ensure the safe and stable operation of the braking circuit.

[0030] Furthermore, the heat dissipation fins 26 are used to cool the high-temperature gas in the closed circuit of the brake end. The low-temperature sealing gas can flow out from the exhaust pipe 10 and enter the spiral cooling channel 16 through the connecting pipe 14. In order to simplify the structure and not add external pipes, it can also flow in through the internal connecting pipe 31, or the water pump 32 can introduce cooling water to further cool the high-temperature gas in the brake circuit.

[0031] Furthermore, the adjustable filter 22 can be automatically or manually adjusted by an electric adjustment device 19, such as an electric servo motor, to form different relative positions with the fixed filter 23 for resistance adjustment, thereby forming the required braking end load.

[0032] Furthermore, the eddy current sensor 28 can measure the spindle speed to ensure that the speed of the cryogenic turbine expander is within the appropriate operating range during operation.

[0033] The working principle of this invention is as follows: During operation, helium gas flows in through the expansion end volute 5. The pressure decreases and the flow velocity increases sharply in the nozzle 4 flow channel, forming a high-speed airflow. The high-speed airflow impacts the blades of the expansion end impeller 2, converting internal energy and pressure energy into kinetic energy, driving the expansion end impeller 2 to rotate. The shaft work is output through the main shaft 1, which reduces the enthalpy of the helium gas. After being decelerated by the expansion end diffuser 3, the gas outputs cooling capacity. The braking end adopts a closed-loop structure. The braking end gas is drawn in from the braking end inlet guide section 21. The braking end impeller 24 compresses the gas, consuming shaft work. After being decelerated by the braking end diffuser 25, the high-pressure, high-speed gas flows into the braking end volute 18. After being cooled and depressurized, it re-enters the braking end inlet guide section 21 to form a loop. When using sealed gas refrigeration, the exhaust pipe 10, via the connecting pipe 14 or the internal connecting pipe 31, introduces the cryogenic gas into the spiral refrigeration pipe inlet 15. Within the spiral refrigeration channel 16, the gas, together with the heat dissipation fins 26, cools the high-temperature gas flowing into the braking end volute 18. The cryogenic gas is then discharged from the spiral refrigeration pipe outlet 17 back to the low-pressure end of the liquid helium production system. When using water cooling, cooling water flows from the inlet pipe 33 into the water pump 32, is pressurized, and then enters the spiral refrigeration pipe inlet 15 via the water connecting pipe 34 to cool the braking end gas. The adjustable filter 22 and the fixed filter 23 have the same pore distribution. When the pores are perfectly aligned, the filter resistance is low. When the pores are misaligned, the effective flow area decreases and eddies increase, thus increasing resistance. Therefore, the position of the adjustable filter 22 can be automatically adjusted by the electric adjustment device 19 or manually adjusted to provide a suitable load to the braking end, ensuring that the cryogenic turbine expander operates within a stable and safe operating range.

[0034] This invention relates to a cryogenic turboexpander with air suspension, employing a fully dynamic pressure air suspension bearing to effectively support stable rotor operation at ultra-high speeds. This device can serve as a core refrigeration unit in the liquefaction, separation, and refrigeration processes of gases such as helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and air. The device features a compact overall structure, strong environmental adaptability, and high reliability, while achieving the design goals of oil-free operation and economic efficiency. Through an optimized closed-loop structure at the braking end, the turboexpander maintains excellent mechanical efficiency and operational stability even at extremely high speeds. The entire system has a simple and rational structural design, reducing the risk of failure from complex components and demonstrating strong environmental adaptability, enabling stable operation under various harsh conditions. Furthermore, the system achieves completely oil-free operation, avoiding contamination of the refrigerant and reducing operating and maintenance costs, resulting in significant overall economic benefits. It is highly suitable for the liquid helium preparation field, where extremely high purity and energy efficiency are required.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-suspended cryogenic turbine expander, comprising a main shaft (1), an expansion-end diffuser (2), an expansion-end impeller (3), a nozzle (4), an expansion-end volute (5), an expansion-end cover plate (6), a housing (7), an axial displacement fixing device I (8), a thrust plate I (9), an exhaust pipe (10), a thrust plate II (11), an axial displacement fixing device II (12), a brake end cover plate (13), a connecting pipe (14), a spiral refrigeration pipe inlet (15), a spiral refrigeration channel (16), a spiral refrigeration pipe outlet (17), a brake end volute (18), an electric adjustment device (19), a sealing device (20), a brake end inlet guide section (21), an adjustable filter (22), a fixed filter (23), a brake end impeller (24), a brake end diffuser (25), heat dissipation fins (26), a labyrinth-sealed exhaust channel (27), an eddy current sensor (28), and an intake pipe (29). The structure includes a labyrinth seal (30), an internal connecting pipe (31), a water pump (32), an inlet pipe (33), and a water connecting pipe (34). The expansion end volute (5) and the braking end volute (18) are threadedly connected to the housing (7). The expansion end main shaft (1) is threadedly connected to the expansion end impeller (2) and the braking end impeller (24). The expansion end diffuser (2), the nozzle (4), and the expansion end cover plate (6) are threadedly connected. The braking end diffuser (25) and the braking end cover plate (13) are threadedly connected. The axial displacement fixing device I (9) and the axial displacement fixing device II (12) are threadedly connected to fix the positions of the axially fixed thrust plate I (11) and the expansion end cover plate (6) and the positions of the thrust plate II (12) and the braking end cover plate (13). The thrust plate I (9) and the thrust plate II (11) are equipped with fully dynamic thrust bearings.

2. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial bearing housing, expansion end cover (6), and brake end cover (13) are designed as an integrated unit, with the radial bearing mounted on the radial bearing housing.

3. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the thrust and radial bearings are fully dynamic air suspension bearings, which give them the characteristics of low noise and oil-free operation.

4. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake pipe (29) introduces gas into the labyrinth seal (30) at the expansion end, thereby reducing the pressure difference on both sides of the leak and forming a sealed environment.

5. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The labyrinth seal exhaust channel (27) can discharge any small amount of gas that still leaks from the labyrinth seal, as well as the introduced sealing gas, to avoid blockage.

6. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The braking end adopts a closed-loop structure, which does not require continuous air supply during operation, simplifying the structure. Pressure sensors and temperature sensors are arranged in the housing (7) to ensure the safe and stable operation of the braking circuit.

7. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation fins (26) are used to cool the high-temperature gas in the closed circuit of the brake end. The low-temperature sealing gas can flow out from the exhaust pipe (10) and enter the spiral cooling channel (16) through the connecting pipe (14). In order to simplify the structure and not add external pipes, it can also flow in through the internal connecting pipe (31) or the water pump (32) can introduce cooling water to further cool the high-temperature gas in the brake circuit.

8. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump (32) can adjust the cooling water flow rate, thereby controlling the temperature of the gas at the braking end and changing the braking load.

9. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable filter (22) can be automatically or manually adjusted by an electric adjustment device (19) such as an electric servo motor to form different relative positions with the fixed filter (23) to adjust the resistance, thereby forming the required braking end load.

10. The air-suspension cryogenic turbine expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The eddy current sensor (28) can measure the spindle speed to ensure that the speed of the cryogenic turbine expander is within the appropriate working range during operation.

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