Expansion Machine Lubrication via Multi-Stage Pump Branching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion machines require lubrication, but the current method of branching off a lubricant additive during pressure increase leads to excessive pressure and flow issues, necessitating the use of throttles, which are energetically disadvantageous and require additional components.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic circuit process device with a multi-stage pressure-increasing apparatus allows for step-by-step pressurization and direct branching of the working medium with a lubricant additive to bearing points, eliminating the need for throttling by tapping at a suitable pressure level, using a multi-stage pump with branching between stages and pipelines for lubricant delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lubricant-containing working medium is branched off during pressure increase by the feed pump, then the bearings can be supplied with lubricant, but excessive pressure leads to changed flow conditions and excessive fluid flow towards the bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pump is divided into multiple stages, allowing the pressure increase to be divided into steps. The lubricant-containing working medium can be branched off at an intermediate stage where the pressure is already sufficient for bearing lubrication but not excessive, avoiding the need for throttling and preventing excessive fluid flow to the bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant is introduced into the working medium before the final pressurization stage, allowing it to be present in the fluid that will be supplied to the bearings. This preliminary introduction ensures proper lubrication without requiring separate lubricant delivery systems or excessive pressure.
2Ease of operation
If throttles are employed to limit the pressure level, then the flow conditions in the bearings can be controlled, but energy is lost and an additional component must be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The throttling function is extracted and eliminated by using a multi-stage pump design that naturally provides the correct pressure level at an intermediate stage. This removes the need for separate throttling components and eliminates the associated energy losses while maintaining proper flow control to the bearings.
3Stress or pressure
If a throttle is installed to limit pressure, then the pressure level can be controlled, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage feed pump serves multiple functions: it pressurizes the working medium to the required operating pressure and simultaneously provides an intermediate pressure level for lubricant branching. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate throttling components, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise pressure control.
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 solution ensures efficient lubrication of expansion machine bearings without the need for throttles, maintaining optimal pressure and reducing energy losses, while allowing for the direct and controlled delivery of the lubricant additive to the necessary points.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-stage pressure-increasing apparatus (for example a feed pump) for the step-by-step pressurization of the working medium
Implementation Method 2
volumetrically operating expansion machines require lubrication by a lubricant in particular of the piston or of the profiles (flanks) of the expansion room that roll on each other, and of the rolling bearings and the sliding walls of the working chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermodynamic circuit process device comprising a working medium having a lubricant additive; an expansion machine (5) for converting enthalpy in the working medium into mechanical energy; a multi-stage pressure-increasing apparatus (1) for the step-by-step pressurization of the working medium; a means (4) for branching a part of the working medium between two stages of the multi-stage pressure-increasing apparatus (1); and a means (4) for feeding the branched off part of the working medium to one or a plurality of bearing points of the expansion machine. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for lubricating an expansion machine in a thermodynamic circuit process device.