Angled Joint Radial Plain Bearing for High Load Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial plain bearings in steam-turbine, generator, and gas-turbine applications face limitations in load-bearing capacity, stability, and maintenance due to increased specific bearing loads and temperatures, especially in the low-pressure area, where current measures like high-viscosity oils and directional lubrication are reaching their limits.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-surface bearing design with an angled separating joint and channels for active cooling and directed lubrication, using two half-shells with offset channels and injection elements to optimize lubricant distribution and reduce friction, allowing for adjustable injection lubrication and improved hydrodynamic pressure build-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the bearing width and/or bearing journal diameter are increased to raise load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing body is divided into multiple bearing segments (at least two) that can be assembled together, allowing the bearing to achieve high load-bearing capacity through modular construction rather than requiring a single large complex bearing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing segments are arranged in a specific angular orientation (separating joint at an angle to horizontal) rather than traditional horizontal alignment, creating hydrodynamic pressure build-up in a different dimensional configuration that increases load-bearing capacity without increasing bearing dimensions
2Force
If high-viscosity oils are used to increase load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the friction losses and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing utilizes hydrodynamic lubrication principles where lubricant is supplied to bearing pockets and channels, creating pressure zones that support loads through fluid dynamics rather than relying solely on high-viscosity oil properties, thereby reducing friction losses
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design changes the operational parameters by creating specific hydrodynamic pressure zones through angled separating joints and controlled lubricant supply, allowing operation with lower viscosity lubricants while maintaining high load-bearing capacity
3Force
If directional lubrication is implemented to improve load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple bearing pockets (inlet pockets and outlet pockets) distributed around the bearing circumference, with lubricant supplied to specific pockets rather than uniformly across the entire bearing surface, achieving directional lubrication through modular pocket configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bearing have different lubrication characteristics - inlet pockets receive lubricant supply while outlet pockets are positioned to drain, creating localized hydrodynamic pressure zones in specific areas rather than uniform lubrication throughout
4Force
If the bearing is designed for high load-bearing capacity with larger dimensions, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the adaptability to existing bearing housings worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing body is segmented into multiple adjustable segments that can be configured in different angular positions, allowing the bearing assembly to adapt to existing bearing housing dimensions while achieving high load-bearing capacity through optimized segment arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing segments can be positioned at different angular orientations (separating joint angle adjustable relative to horizontal) to optimize performance for different installation conditions and housing configurations, providing dynamic adaptability rather than fixed geometry
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high stability and load-carrying capacity, low friction, and maintenance friendliness, enabling efficient operation in high-speed conditions with reduced losses and increased reliability, suitable for existing bearing housings and installation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricant wedge is formed between the body to be borne and the bearing body, whose pressure results in the body to be borne being lifted off the bearing body. The body to be borne then runs in a stable form in the bearing body, in the case of purely hydrodynamic lubrication without any direct contact between the bearing body and the body to be borne
Implementation Method 2
the bearing body has a first channel, which is arranged at least in places, in its wall, seen in the circumferential direction, wherein at least one axial hole is arranged in the wall and passes through the first channel
Data Source
AI summary
A plain bearing includes a bearing body in which a body, which is to be stored, is arranged. The bearing body is surrounded by a supporting body. The bearing body has a partial joint arranged at an angle in relation to the horizontal. The plain bearing has an active cooling system and an articulated lubrication system.