Axial Bearing Arrangement with Elastic Element for Centrifugal Compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional axial bearing arrangements in centrifugal compressors face issues with thermal deformations and mechanical stress due to non-uniform thermal expansion, leading to potential seizure and reduced lifespan, especially at high-speed operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic element between the axial bearing plate and the compressor block to apply a predetermined force, allowing for axial sliding and mitigating deformations, thereby maintaining the parallel positioning of the bearing plates and preventing seizure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional axial bearing arrangements are used with rigid mounting, then assembly is simple, but thermal deformations cause seizure and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing arrangement reliabilityVSAvoidbearing arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic element (spring) into the bearing arrangement, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansions dynamically. The spring enables axial movement of the bearing plates relative to the drive shaft, transforming a rigid static structure into a flexible dynamic one that can accommodate dimensional changes without seizure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring changes the mechanical parameters of the bearing arrangement by introducing elastic deformation capability. This allows the system to absorb thermal expansion through controlled elastic compression, maintaining reliable operation while managing the complexity through a single well-defined elastic element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid axial bearing plates are used, then manufacturing is simple, but non-uniform thermal expansion causes deformations and seizure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing plate manufacturingVSAvoidthermal deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring acts as a pre-positioned cushioning element that anticipates thermal expansions. By being installed beforehand in the bearing arrangement, it provides a compliant interface that absorbs dimensional changes before they can cause harmful deformations or seizure of the bearing plates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring serves as an intermediary element between the rigid bearing plates and the drive shaft. It mediates the interaction between these components during thermal expansion, allowing relative movement while maintaining force transmission, thus protecting the bearing plates from direct thermal stress and deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If small clearances are maintained for high-speed operation, then efficiency is improved, but thermal stress leads to seizure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor operating speedVSAvoidbearing clearance maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring creates a dynamic clearance management system that adapts to thermal conditions during high-speed operation. As thermal expansion occurs, the spring compresses to maintain optimal clearances, preventing seizure while allowing the compressor to operate at high speeds for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 elastic element effectively prevents thermal-induced deformations and mechanical stress, ensuring the reliability and extended lifespan of the centrifugal compressor by allowing axial sliding and maintaining the axial bearing arrangement's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element arranged between the second surface of the first axial bearing plate and the compressor block, and in that the elastic element axially biases the first axial bearing plate and the spacer ring with a predetermined force against an abutment surface of the bearing sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10760583B2Axial bearing arrangement for a drive shaft of a centrifugal compressor

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 DANFOSS AS

AI summary

The axial bearing arrangement comprises a first axial bearing plate (12) and a second axial bearing plate (13) each having an annular ring shape, the first axial bearing plate (12) having a first surface (12.1) axially facing the second axial bearing plate (13) and a second surface (12.2) opposite to the respective first surface (12.1), the second axial bearing plate (13) having a first surface (13.1) axially facing the first axial bearing plate (12) and a second surface (13.2) opposite to the respective first surface (13.1); a spacer ring (14) clamped between the first surfaces (12.1, 13.1) of the first and second axial bearing plates (12, 13), the spacer ring (14) defining an axial distance between the first and second axial bearing plates (12, 13); and a bearing sleeve (15) abutting the second surface (13.2) of the second axial bearing plate (13) and being secured to a compressor block (16). The axial bearing arrangement includes an elastic element (22) axially biasing the first and second axial bearing plates (12, 13) and the spacer ring (14) with a predetermined force against an abutment surface (17) of the bearing sleeve (15).