Free-Surface Liquid Transfer for Rotating Machinery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid cooling systems for rotating machinery face challenges in efficiently transferring and recovering liquid between rotating and stationary members, particularly due to high static pressure induced by centrifugal force, which complicates the use of additional transfer tubes and can lead to liquid mist and backflow issues.

Innovation Solution

A free-surface liquid transfer apparatus featuring a rotating member with a slinger formation and radial slots that transmit a continuous film of working fluid with both tangential and radial velocity components, allowing for efficient transfer to a stationary member without internal passages or additional transfer tubes, utilizing a receiver with vanes and a perforated inner cylindrical wall to capture and pressurize the fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a transfer tube is employed at the rotating member shaft centerline for liquid delivery, then liquid delivery is achieved, but the use of another transfer tube for liquid recovery is precluded and high static pressure is induced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid deliveryVSAvoidtransfer tube configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid transfer function is segmented into multiple pathways: a first transfer tube for liquid delivery and a second transfer tube for liquid recovery. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each transfer path, resolving the conflict between achieving liquid delivery while enabling liquid recovery without additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A centrifugal separator is introduced as an intermediary device between the rotating member and the stationary reservoir. The separator mediates the liquid transfer process by using centrifugal force to separate liquid from mist, enabling efficient liquid recovery while maintaining the existing transfer tube configuration for delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If liquid is transferred through internal passages, then liquid delivery is achieved, but internal passages are complex and additional transfer tubes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinternal passages

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid recovery function is extracted from the internal passage system and implemented through a separate second transfer tube connected to the centrifugal separator. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal passages while maintaining high liquid transfer efficiency through dedicated recovery pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes hydraulic principles through the centrifugal separator, which employs centrifugal force (a hydraulic effect) to separate liquid from mist. This approach achieves efficient liquid transfer without requiring complex mechanical internal passages, leveraging fluid dynamics instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Speed

If centrifugal force is used for liquid transfer, then liquid delivery is achieved, but high static pressure is induced and liquid mist is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid transfer speedVSAvoidliquid mist and backflow

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifugal separator converts the harmful effect of centrifugal force (which generates liquid mist) into a beneficial separation mechanism. By introducing the separator, the system uses centrifugal force to deliberately separate liquid from mist, transforming the harmful mist generation into a useful liquid-mist separation process that prevents backflow and improves transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enables effective free-surface conveyance of liquid with minimal dispersal or mist, eliminating the need for internal passages and providing self-pumping capabilities, which enhances machine efficiency, reduces heat load, and prevents air gap fouling in aerospace electric machinery.

Implementation Method 1

liquid within the rotating member shaft can exert relatively high static pressure induced by centrifugal force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the separator, which may be in the form of a centrifugal separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS8506240B2Free-surface liquid transfer device for rotating machinery

Publication Date: 2013.08.13 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A free-surface liquid transfer apparatus for rotating machinery includes a rotating member. The rotating member includes a main shaft defining a hollow inner cavity, an outer cylindrical wall defining a hollow annular cavity in fluid communication with the hollow inner cavity through a plurality of orifices formed on the main shaft, and a slinger formation in fluid communication with the hollow annular cavity through a plurality of radial slots formed through the slinger formation. A central axis of the main shaft, a central axis of the hollow annular cavity, and a central axis of the slinger formation are collinear, and the slinger formation is configured to transmit working fluid received through the plurality of radial slots outward as a continuous film having both tangential and radial velocity components.