Counter-Rotating Fluid Pumping Rotors for Axial Thrust Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid movement systems, such as compressors and pumps, experience excessive wear and reduced flow capacity due to substantial axial loads, which can be mitigated by utilizing opposed axial forces to balance thrust loading.
Innovation Solution
A fluid movement system utilizing rotor sections with permanent magnets and stator sections that generate electromagnetic fields to counter-rotate inner and outer rotor sections, applying opposed axial forces to balance thrust loads and reduce component wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compressors or pumps are used to move fluids, then fluid transport function is achieved, but substantial axial loads cause excessive wear and reduced flow capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counter-rotating rotors that generate equal and opposite axial forces, effectively canceling each other's thrust loads. This counterbalancing mechanism eliminates substantial axial loads on bearings and seals, preventing excessive wear while maintaining full flow capacity operation
2Productivity
If conventional single-rotor compressors or pumps are used, then fluid movement is achieved, but substantial axial loads require operators to reduce flow below potential capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-rotating rotor configuration generates opposing axial forces that balance each other, eliminating the need to reduce flow capacity to manage axial loads. Both rotors operate at full capacity simultaneously, doubling the effective flow capacity while axial loads remain balanced
3Strength
If opposed axial forces are utilized through counter-rotating rotors, then component loading is reduced and differential pressure capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two rotor-compressor units into a single integrated assembly where both rotors operate simultaneously within a common housing. This merging approach achieves balanced axial loads and increased differential pressure capacity while sharing common structural components, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate units
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 system achieves reduced component loading and increased differential pressure capacity while maintaining a compact size, suitable for harsh environments like subsea operations, with potential for mechanical seal-less designs and flexible product sizing.
Implementation Method 1
The stator sections are powered to cause relative rotation of inner and outer rotor sections in opposite directions
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique facilitates movement of fluids with reduced component loading by utilizing opposed axial forces. The system for moving fluid may be in the form of a gas compressor, liquid pump, or other device able to pump or otherwise move fluid from one location to another. According to an embodiment, the system comprises rotor sections which are combined with pumping features. The rotor sections are disposed radially between corresponding inner and outer stator sections which may be powered to cause relative rotation of inner and outer rotor sections in opposite directions. The rotors and corresponding pumping features are configured to move fluid in opposed axial directions toward an outlet section so as to balance axial forces and thus reduce component loading, e.g. thrust bearing loading.