Integrated Motor-Impeller Jet Pump for Lower Energy, Noise, and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterjet systems in marine propulsion systems have limitations in terms of energy consumption, noise, and vibrations, which restrict their optimal use to a limited speed range and reduce overall propulsive efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A jet pump system with an electronic controller cooled via water inflow, a combined motor impeller system, and a nozzle pump, incorporating features like a concentric electric motor, stabilizing shaft, de-swirling vanes, and a recirculation cooling system to minimize turbulence and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional waterjet systems are used, then propulsion is achieved, but energy consumption increases and propulsive efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor and impeller into a single integrated unit where the motor is positioned concentrically within the impeller structure. This merging eliminates separate mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity, contributing to reduced energy consumption and improved propulsive efficiency by minimizing energy losses between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is nested within the impeller structure, with the motor housing forming part of the impeller assembly. The stator is positioned inside the impeller blades, and the rotor is concentric with the impeller rotation axis. This nesting arrangement reduces the number of external components and minimizes energy losses, directly addressing the energy consumption versus propulsive efficiency contradiction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional waterjet systems are used, then propulsion is achieved, but noise and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motor and impeller into a single rotating assembly where both components share the same rotation axis and are mechanically integrated, the patent reduces the number of separate moving parts that could generate noise and vibrations. This integration maintains propulsive efficiency while minimizing harmful noise and vibration generation.
3Temperature
If electronic controller is cooled via water inflow, then heat dissipation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller utilizes the existing water flow through the impeller inlet as its cooling medium. The controller is positioned to receive cooling from the water that naturally flows through the system for propulsion purposes, eliminating the need for separate cooling pumps, heat exchangers, or dedicated cooling circuits. This self-service cooling approach improves heat dissipation while avoiding additional system complexity.
4Productivity
If combined motor impeller system is used, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined motor-impeller system is designed with modular segmentation where the motor housing, stator, rotor, and impeller blades are distinct manufacturable components that can be produced separately using standard manufacturing processes. These segmented components are then assembled into the final integrated unit, allowing for specialized manufacturing of each part while achieving the efficiency benefits of the combined system.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves multiple functions: it houses the motor components (stator and rotor), provides structural support for the impeller assembly, and forms part of the water flow path. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining propulsion efficiency.
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 system enhances propulsion efficiency by reducing turbulence and heat loss, maintaining consistent flow volume, and minimizing additional parts and weight, thereby improving performance and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic controller which is cooled via the inflow of water through the inlet component
Implementation Method 2
a combined motor impeller system positioned adjacent to the outflow aperture of the inlet component
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle pump positioned adjacent to the outflow of the motor impeller system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a jet pump system are disclosed where certain embodiments comprise an inlet component, an electronic controller which is cooled via the inflow of water through the inlet component, a combined motor impeller system positioned adjacent to the outflow aperture of the inlet component, and a nozzle pump positioned adjacent to the outflow of the motor impeller system.