Brittle-Material Circulation Pump for Cavitation-Stable High Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps used in thermal batteries face challenges with high-temperature, high-flow rate operations, requiring maintenance in inert environments, and are prone to cavitation and mechanical instability.
Innovation Solution
A seal-less centrifugal pump design using brittle materials like graphite, with hydrodynamic lubrication and radiative cooling, controlled gas-liquid interfaces, and thermal separation to maintain mechanical stability and prevent cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing pumps are used for high-temperature operations in thermal batteries, then they can transport liquid material, but they are prone to cavitation and mechanical instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the pump components by using brittle materials with specific thermal properties that maintain structural integrity at high temperatures. The brittle material components are designed to withstand thermal stresses without deforming, preventing mechanical instability and cavitation during high-temperature liquid material transport.
2Temperature
If pumps operate in inert environments for thermal battery applications, then they can handle high-temperature liquid materials, but they require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs brittle material components that are designed as replaceable wear parts. These components can be easily manufactured and replaced at low cost, reducing maintenance frequency and downtime. The disposable nature of these brittle components allows for quick replacement without complex repair procedures in inert environments.
3Strength
If conventional pump materials are used, then they provide mechanical strength, but they cannot maintain stability in high-temperature thermal battery environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite structures combining brittle materials with specific thermal and mechanical properties. These composite materials maintain dimensional stability and structural integrity at high temperatures where conventional materials would deform or fail, ensuring reliable pump operation in thermal battery environments.
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 pump achieves high flow rates and extended lifespan with reduced maintenance, maintaining mechanical stability and preventing cavitation in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
filling, at least via grooves in a bearing that surrounds a region of the shaft assembly, the liquid material between the bearing and the region to lubricate the bearing
Implementation Method 2
filling, at least via grooves in a bearing that surrounds a region of the shaft assembly, the liquid material between the bearing and the region to lubricate the bearing
Implementation Method 3
radiatively cooling the shaft assembly by surrounding a region of the shaft assembly with a cooling component that may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. An inner surface of the cooling component may be black and able to absorb thermal radiation from the shaft assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Aspect of the disclosure provides a method of pumping a liquid material. The method may include pumping the liquid material by rotating an impeller attached to a shaft assembly. The pump includes the impeller, the shaft assembly, and a pump chamber. The method includes controlling the minimum pressure of the liquid material in the pump chamber to be above a threshold pressure by controlling a pressure of a gas that is supplied to the pump chamber. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft and a second shaft that are separated by a gap and are physically coupled by a coupling component.