Gas Thrust Bearing Load Control Using a Counter-Thrust Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas thrust bearings in turbomachines have a reduced load capacity due to the lower viscosity of gases compared to liquids, leading to increased axial thrust and operational challenges, and existing axial load management systems are inefficient in controlling these forces.
Innovation Solution
An axial load management system for turbomachines that includes a rotating drivetrain with a gas thrust bearing, a sensor, and a valve supply line, where the sensor measures axial loads and communicates signals to adjust the pressure in a thrust chamber via the valve, allowing for precise control of axial forces on the gas thrust bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gas thrust bearings are used to eliminate oil lubrication systems, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but load capacity is reduced due to lower gas viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a thrust chamber that generates counter-thrust pressure to offset the axial load on the gas thrust bearing. By creating an opposing pressure force in the thrust chamber, the system compensates for the reduced load capacity of gas bearings, allowing them to support the required axial loads without needing complex oil lubrication systems.
2Temperature
If gas thrust bearings are used instead of oil-lubricated bearings, then heat generation at the bearing interface is reduced, but axial thrust control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs sensors to detect axial load conditions and feeds this information back to a control system that adjusts the thrust chamber pressure accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control of axial thrust while maintaining the thermal advantages of gas lubrication, as the system dynamically adjusts pressure to match actual load conditions.
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 system effectively manages and reduces axial thrust on gas thrust bearings, enhancing the load capacity and operational efficiency by dynamically adjusting the pressure within the thrust chamber, thereby improving the overall performance and reducing the need for additional lubrication systems.
Implementation Method 1
the gas thrust bearing supports the rotating drivetrain
Implementation Method 2
A valve positioned within the valve supply line selectively allows a working fluid to flow between the closed flowpath and a thrust chamber
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is attached to at least one of the thrust bearing housing or the gas thrust bearing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An axial load management system for a turbomachine including a rotating drivetrain, a thrust bearing assembly, a sensor, and a valve supply line. The rotating drivetrain includes a compressor section and an expander section fluidly coupled together by a closed flowpath. The thrust bearing assembly includes a thrust runner, a thrust bearing housing, and a gas thrust bearing extending between the thrust runner and the thrust bearing housing. Further, the gas thrust bearing supports the rotating drivetrain. The sensor is attached to at least one of the thrust bearing housing or the gas thrust bearing. The valve supply line is fluidly coupled to the closed flowpath. A valve positioned within the valve supply line selectively allows a working fluid to flow between the closed flowpath and a thrust chamber defined by a rotating surface and a fixed surface to modify an axial load on the rotating drivetrain.