Bearing Pads With Cooling Micro-Channels for Internal Heat Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid bearings face inefficiencies in cooling, particularly in high-speed and high-load conditions, due to the inability of lubricant fluid to effectively remove heat from the interior of the pads, leading to increased temperatures and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of cooling micro-channels within the bearing pads, with inlet ends on the leading side and outlet ends on the trailing side, allowing lubrication fluid to circulate and promote efficient heat removal without diminishing the load capacity, and manufactured using additive manufacturing for optimal design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling ducts are provided in bearing pads to remove heat from the interior, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the bearing structure becomes complex and requires support structures that reduce cooling oil circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad is designed with a porous structure containing multiple cooling channels formed directly within the pad material. This porous configuration allows cooling oil to circulate through the interior of the pad without requiring separate support structures, as the porous matrix itself provides structural integrity. The cooling channels are distributed throughout the pad volume, enabling efficient heat removal from the interior regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall bearing structure.
2Strength
If large cross-section cooling ducts are used to prevent collapsing under high-load conditions, then structural stability is improved, but cooling oil circulation is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large cooling duct, the cooling system is segmented into multiple smaller cooling channels distributed throughout the bearing pad. This segmentation allows each channel to maintain adequate structural support from the surrounding pad material while collectively providing sufficient cooling capacity. The multiple smaller channels increase the total surface area for heat transfer and improve cooling oil circulation compared to a single large duct, while the distributed configuration maintains pad strength under high-load conditions.
3Temperature
If external pump and injection nozzle are used to supply pressurized oil to cooling ducts, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad's porous structure with integrated cooling channels enables the cooling system to be self-sufficient, utilizing the existing lubrication system's oil pressure without requiring external pumps or injection nozzles. The cooling oil is supplied through the normal lubrication pathways already present in the bearing assembly, and the porous structure naturally distributes the oil throughout the cooling channels. This self-service approach achieves effective cooling while avoiding additional complexity from external pressurization components.
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 described cooling micro-channel arrangement enables efficient heat removal from the bearing pads, reducing temperatures and extending the lifespan of less expensive materials, such as steel, while maintaining or improving load capacity without reliance on external fluid sources.
Implementation Method 1
circulation of lubrication fluid in said lubrication fluid volume promotes flow of the lubrication fluid through the cooling micro-channels
Implementation Method 2
efficient heat removal from the bearing pads
Implementation Method 3
the rotary shaft moves at a high speed with respect to the bearing surface such as to pressurize the fluid in a lubricating wedge between the shaft and the bearing surface. The lubricating wedge forms around the rotating shaft, and hydrodynamic lubrication is obtained when the bearing surface and the mating shaft surface are completely separated by a cohesive film of lubricant therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
The bearing has a housing and a plurality of pads coupled with the housing. The pads form bearing surfaces facing a shaft receiving space. The pads are provided with cooling micro-channels formed therein, adapted to circulate lubrication fluid and improve heat removal.