Hydrogen Generator Seal Assembly with Circumferential Oil Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shaft seal assemblies in hydrogen-cooled electric power turbine generators face challenges in reliably aligning internal passageways due to variations in the radial position of power plant piping, requiring ad hoc modifications to ensure proper registration and efficient sealing oil passage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of circumferentially extending channels in the bracket member for distributing and collecting sealing oil, along with oil-admittance and oil-return openings in the sealing cartridge, allows for flexible alignment and efficient oil flow regardless of power plant piping location, eliminating the need for time-consuming machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional shaft seal assemblies are used with fixed internal passageways, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but adaptability to varying power plant piping locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member incorporates circumferentially extending channels that can rotate with the rotor assembly, transforming the static passageway alignment problem into a dynamic solution where the channels maintain continuous oil supply capability regardless of rotor position or piping location variations
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferentially extending channels serve multiple functions: they distribute sealing oil along the circumferential direction, accommodate various piping locations, and maintain sealing effectiveness across different operational positions, making the seal assembly universally adaptable to different plant configurations
2Reliability
If ad hoc modifications are made to align internal passageways with varying piping locations, then reliability of sealing oil passage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferentially extending channels are pre-configured in the bracket member during manufacturing to provide continuous sealing oil distribution capability, eliminating the need for field modifications or complex alignment procedures when installing the seal assembly in different plant configurations
3Reliability
If ad hoc modifications are performed to ensure proper registration, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but productivity and installation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferentially extending channels automatically adapt to the rotor's rotational position and piping location through their circumferential distribution geometry, providing self-alignment capability that eliminates time-consuming manual machining and alignment procedures during installation
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly is provided to prevent leakage of cooling fluid from a generator housing. A bracket 26 includes an inlet connectable to power plant piping for receiving a supply of sealing fluid. The inlet is in communication with a bracket passageway 32 for admitting the sealing fluid in a radially inner section of the bracket. A sealing cartridge 28 is mountable in an annulus defined by the bracket. The sealing cartridge includes at least one cartridge passageway 44 in communication with the bracket passageway for admitting the supply of sealing fluid and passing the supply of sealing fluid to establish a sealing boundary about the rotor shaft. At least one of the bracket or the sealing cartridge includes a first sealing fluid-distribution channel 30 extending along a radial direction for providing fluid communication between the bracket passageway and the at least one passageway in the sealing cartridge.