Balance Drum Turbine Assembly for Rotating Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating machines face challenges in efficiently counteracting internal thrust forces generated by impellers and conserving energy due to the inefficiencies in existing balance systems, particularly in high-pressure applications like pumps and compressors.
Innovation Solution
A balance drum with a turbine assembly and airfoil blades is integrated into the rotating machine, utilizing differential pressure to generate an axial thrust force opposite the rotor thrust force and conserve fluid power through the turbine assembly, as defined by the equation P=γ*Q*(Pd-Ps)*2.31550*SG*ηt, where P is the conserved fluid power, γ is the specific weight of the working fluid, Q is the volumetric flow rate, Pd is the discharge pressure, Ps is the suction pressure, SG is the specific gravity, and ηt is the efficiency of the turbine assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional balance drum is used to counteract thrust forces, then the thrust force balance is achieved, but energy is wasted without recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the balance drum function with a turbine generator assembly, combining thrust balance and energy recovery into a single integrated component. The turbine assembly is mounted directly on the balance drum, allowing simultaneous thrust counteraction and energy generation from the pressure differential
Solution Approach 2:
The balance drum assembly performs multiple functions: it counteracts thrust forces on the shaft and simultaneously generates electrical energy through the turbine. This multi-functional design converts previously wasted energy into useful power, reducing overall system energy consumption
2Force
If high-pressure differential is used to counteract thrust force, then thrust balance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high pressure differential (which creates thrust force) into a beneficial resource. The same pressure differential that pushes on the balance drum to counteract thrust also drives the turbine to generate electrical energy, transforming what was previously wasted energy into useful power
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 balance drum reduces power requirements and recovers wasted energy by converting pressure differentials into mechanical work, leading to significant power cost savings in high-energy-consuming equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The balance drum is configured to generate an axial thrust force based on a differential pressure between a first axial face of the balance drum and a second axial face of the balance drum opposite the first axial face
Implementation Method 2
the balance drum is configured to conserve an amount of fluid power based on flow of the working fluid through the turbine assembly
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of blades include a plurality of airfoil blades
Data Source
AI summary
A balance drum for a rotating machine includes an outer ring; an inner disk that includes a bore configured to receive a shaft; and a turbine assembly connected between an outer edge of the inner disk and an inner edge of the outer ring, the turbine assembly including a plurality of blades that extend between the outer edge and the inner edge and define a plurality of apertures therebetween.