Bearing Pad Cooling Paths for Friction Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearing pads in power generation systems experience temperature rises due to friction, exceeding a threshold value, which can lead to mechanical property deterioration and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bearing design with a cooling path system that allows oil to flow through the pad, including a pivot and auxiliary flow paths, to effectively cool the pad during operation, preventing temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bearing pad contacts the shaft system to support it, then the shaft system is supported in radial or axial direction, but friction occurs between the pad and shaft system causing temperature rise above threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad is divided into multiple cooling path sections (first cooling path section, second cooling path section, third cooling path section) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows oil to flow through multiple separate channels, increasing the cooling surface area and improving heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining the load-bearing function of the pad.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bearing pad are designed with different functions: the pivot portion provides rotational support, while the cooling path sections are strategically positioned to maximize cooling efficiency in high-temperature zones. The auxiliary flow path intersects with cooling path sections to enhance local cooling where friction heat is most intense.
Solution Approach 3:
A hydraulic cooling system is implemented by introducing oil flow through the cooling path sections and auxiliary flow path. The oil acts as a coolant that absorbs friction heat generated between the pad and shaft system, maintaining pad temperature below the threshold value while preserving the mechanical support function.
2Temperature
If the pad is designed with cooling path sections, then the pad temperature is maintained below threshold, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged into the bearing pad structure itself by forming cooling path sections and auxiliary flow paths directly within the pad material. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling devices or external cooling systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing pad is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radial or axial support to the shaft system through the pivot, generates electromagnetic induction in the generator context, and cools itself through integrated cooling path sections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous friction occurs between pad and shaft system during rotation, then the shaft system can be continuously supported, but the pad temperature exceeds maximum threshold of 105 degrees Celsius
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling path sections are designed to enable continuous oil flow through the pad during rotation, ensuring uninterrupted cooling action. The auxiliary flow path intersects with cooling path sections to maintain continuous coolant circulation, preventing temperature accumulation during continuous operation while the pad continuously supports the rotating shaft system.
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 cooling system maintains the pad temperature below the threshold value, even with friction, ensuring continuous operation and preventing mechanical property degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling path through which oil flows
Implementation Method 2
the oil existing between the pad and the shaft system flows into the cooling flow path to cool the pad
Implementation Method 3
friction continues to occur between the pad and the thrust collar or the pad and the journal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a bearing and a power generation system including the same. The bearing supporting a shaft system of a power generation system in a radial direction includes a pad disposed on an outer side of the shaft system with respect to the radial direction and including a cooling path through which oil flows. In the bearing and the power generation system including the same, the cooling flow path is formed through the pad so that the oil existing between the pad and the shaft system flows into the cooling flow path to cool the pad. Accordingly, the pad is continuously cooled during the operation of the power generation system, and the temperature of the pad is prevented from rising above the threshold value even if friction occurs between the shaft system and the pad.