Dual Thrust Bearing Pressure Control for Thrust Crossover Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust bearings in thermal transport bus pumps experience thrust crossovers due to fluctuating fluid properties, leading to non-synchronous vibrations, reduced performance, and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual thrust bearing system with a secondary flowline that splits into two flowlines, each coupled to a thrust bearing, and a pressure control valve to regulate fluid pressure and balance thrust loads, thereby reducing thrust crossovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single thrust bearing is used, then the device complexity is low, but thrust balance deteriorates due to thrust crossovers from fluctuating fluid properties
Solution Approach 1:
The single thrust bearing is divided into two separate thrust bearings (first and second thrust bearings) positioned at different locations along the shaft. Each thrust bearing independently supports thrust loads in opposite directions, preventing thrust crossovers and improving thrust balance despite increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid flow system with flowlines and pressure control valves is introduced as an intermediary between the power source and the thrust bearings. This system regulates fluid pressure to each thrust bearing, enabling independent control of thrust loads and maintaining optimal thrust balance under varying operating conditions
2Reliability
If pressure control valves are added to regulate fluid pressure, then thrust balance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure control valves are implemented in the flowlines to actively regulate fluid pressure delivered to each thrust bearing. These valves respond to operating conditions and adjust pressure accordingly, maintaining optimal thrust balance despite the added control system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the fluid delivered to each thrust bearing independently through pressure control valves. By adjusting pressure levels dynamically, the system optimizes thrust load distribution and maintains reliability under varying operating conditions
3Duration of action of stationary object
If dual thrust bearing system is implemented, then service life extends due to reduced wear, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented to include two separate thrust bearing assemblies positioned at different locations along the shaft. This segmentation allows each bearing to handle specific thrust directions independently, reducing wear and extending service life, though it increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearings are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the pump assembly during manufacturing, with flowlines and pressure control valves integrated beforehand. This preliminary arrangement reduces wear from the start of operation and extends service life, despite requiring more complex manufacturing processes
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 dual thrust bearing system improves thrust balance, reduces non-synchronous vibrations, and extends the service life of the TTB pump by minimizing wear and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first flowline transmits a working fluid to a first thrust bearing to support an axial thrust load
Implementation Method 2
a pressure control valve to adjust a pressure in the first flowline and the second flowline
Data Source
AI summary
Example thrust bearing apparatus includes: a thrust disk extending radially from the shaft, the thrust disk having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a bearing housing surrounding the thrust disk and the shaft, the bearing housing having a first wall facing the first side of the thrust disk and a second wall facing the second side of the thrust disk; a first thrust pad coupled to the first wall of the bearing housing, the first thrust pad including a first plurality of serrations circumferentially arranged in a first pattern along the first thrust pad; and a second thrust pad coupled to the first side of the thrust disk, the second thrust pad including a second plurality of serrations circumferentially arranged in a second pattern along the second thrust pad.