Electric Rotor Torque Damping for Shaft Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating machinery systems face challenges in effectively damping rotor dynamic motions, which can lead to unwanted vibrations, stress, and structural issues due to unaccounted vibration modes at specific operating speeds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotor dynamics adjustment system that utilizes an electric motor coupled to the shaft of a rotating machine to apply dynamic torque and power, allowing for the damping or excitation of rotor dynamic motions through controlled torque perturbations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional geometrical design and static dampers are used to account for rotor dynamics, then the structural design is simplified, but vibration modes still occur at certain operating speeds that excite rotor dynamic motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dampers and geometrical design approaches with an electric motor system that applies dynamic torque to the rotor shaft. This substitution allows active control of rotor dynamic motions through electrical means rather than relying solely on passive mechanical damping elements, thereby addressing vibration modes that occur at specific operating speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic torque application through the electric motor, transforming the static damping approach into a dynamic control system. The motor can adjust torque in real-time to counteract rotor dynamic motions at varying operating speeds, making the system adaptive rather than fixed.
2Reliability
If an electric motor is coupled to the shaft to apply dynamic torque for damping rotor motions, then rotor dynamic control is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the electric motor's dynamic torque capability for multiple functions: it serves as both the primary drive motor and the rotor dynamic damping actuator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate damping mechanisms, thereby improving rotor dynamic control without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If dynamic torque is applied through an electric motor to damp rotor motions, then operational stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the electric motor's inherent dynamic torque capability to perform rotor damping, utilizing the motor's own operational characteristics rather than requiring a separate energy source or additional actuation system. This self-service approach allows operational stability improvement with minimal additional energy consumption beyond what the motor already requires for its primary function.
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
This approach effectively dampens or controls rotor dynamic motions, reducing stress and structural issues, and improving the operational stability and efficiency of rotating machinery systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor operably coupled to a shaft of a rotating machine is commanded to apply one or more torque perturbations to a steady state load of the rotating machine
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor dynamics adjustment system includes a rotor system (202) with at least one compressor section (204) and at least one turbine section (208) operably coupled to a shaft (206). The rotor dynamics adjustment system also includes one or more rotor system sensors (218) configured to collect a plurality of sensor data from the rotor system, an electric motor (212) operably coupled to the rotor system, and a controller (216). The controller is operable to monitor (502) the one or more rotor system sensors while the rotor system is rotating. A dynamic motion of the rotor system (504) is based on the sensor data from the one or more rotor system sensors. A damping correction torque is determined (506) to diminish the dynamic motion of the rotor system. The electric motor is commanded (508) to apply the damping correction torque to the rotor system.