Inductive Coupling for Shaft Furnace Rotary Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary charging devices for shaft furnaces face challenges in maintaining reliable and low-maintenance electric energy transfer from the stationary to the rotatable part, particularly in harsh environments like blast furnaces, due to the wear and maintenance requirements of slip rings.
Innovation Solution
A contact-less inductive coupling device with a radial gap configuration, comprising a stationary inductor and a rotary inductor with magnetic core arrangements, provides a reliable and maintenance-friendly means for electric energy transfer, minimizing wear and allowing for efficient power transmission to electric loads on the rotatable structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rings are used for electric energy transfer to the rotatable part, then electric power can be transmitted to the rotating structure, but frequent maintenance intervention is required due to wear and attrition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip ring system with an inductive coupling device that uses electromagnetic fields for contactless energy transfer. The stationary inductor and rotary inductor create a magnetic field across a radial gap, eliminating mechanical wear and the need for maintenance while maintaining reliable power transmission to the rotating distribution means.
2Ease of repair
If a rotary transformer with radial gap configuration is used, then contact-less electric energy transfer is achieved with minimal wear, but some efficiency loss occurs due to the interferric gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the radial gap dimensions and magnetic core properties to minimize energy loss while maintaining contactless operation. By carefully controlling the gap width and using appropriate ferromagnetic materials, the system achieves a balance between maintenance-free operation and acceptable power transmission efficiency, suitable for the demanding blast furnace environment.
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
The inductive coupling device offers reliable and low-maintenance power supply to electric loads, such as motors and pumps, with improved efficiency and reduced maintenance needs, even in harsh conditions, while maintaining effective power transmission despite minor efficiency losses.
Implementation Method 1
They are configured for achieving contact-less electric energy transfer, from the stationary support to the rotatable structure, by means of a shared magnetic field coupled in radial direction trough the gap
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary charging device (10) for a shaft furnace commonly comprises a rotary distribution means (12) for distributing charge material on a charging surface in the shaft furnace. A rotatable structure supports (16) the rotary distribution means and a stationary support (18) rotatably supports the rotatable structure. According to the invention, the charging device (10) is equipped with an inductive coupling device (30) including a stationary inductor (34) fixed to the stationary support and a rotary inductor (36) fixed to the rotatable structure. The stationary inductor (34) and the rotary inductor (36) are separated by a radial gap and configured as rotary transformer for achieving contact-less electric energy transfer from the stationary support (18) to the rotatable structure (16) by means of magnetic coupling trough the radial gap for powering an electric load arranged on the rotatable structure (16) and connected to said rotary inductor (36).