Cantilevered Rotor Wheel Gearbox Layout for Compact Turbomachines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachines with cantilevered rotor wheels and integrated speed reducers/increasers face issues of bulky assemblies, complex assembly and disassembly, and mechanical losses due to separate support structures.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine design where the speed reducer/increaser is mounted in a gearbox removably constrained to a fixed case, with the main shaft supporting the pinion, allowing precise alignment and simplified assembly/disassembly, and minimizing mechanical losses by positioning the gear assembly close to the main shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate speed reducer with complete support structure is used, then the turbine can be coupled to the generator, but the assembly becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the speed reducer with the turbine shaft assembly by mounting the pinion directly on the turbine shaft. This integration eliminates the need for a separate supported speed reducer assembly, reducing overall complexity while maintaining coupling capability to the generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine shaft serves multiple functions: it supports the rotor, transmits torque, and carries the pinion for speed reduction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures that would be required in conventional designs with dedicated speed reducers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate speed reducer with complete support structure is used, then the turbine can be coupled to the generator, but the overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the speed reducer components directly with the turbine shaft assembly, the patent eliminates the need for additional space required by separate support structures, bases, and mounting elements, thereby reducing the overall volume of the moving assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gear assembly is positioned away from the main shaft with separate supports, then the speed reducer can function, but mechanical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the gear assembly directly on the turbine shaft, merging the power transmission path and eliminating intermediate support structures. This reduces the number of mechanical interfaces and potential sources of energy loss, improving overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine with a cantilevered rotor wheel for industrial power plants includes a fixed case, a main shaft mounted in the fixed case and carrying a bladed rotor wheel, a main pinion on the main shaft. A gearbox is connected to the fixed case and carries a transmission shaft configured to be connected to an operating or driving machine. A gear assembly is mounted in the gearbox, coupled to the transmission shaft and to the main pinion, to act as a speed increaser or speed reducer. A portion of the gearbox is removably connected to the fixed case and supports the gear assembly and the transmission shaft, so that the gearbox can be separated from the fixed case and the gear assembly with the transmission shaft from the main shaft.