Magnetic Coupling Assembly with Fluid Cooling Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic couplings are limited in coupling power beyond 800 kW at 1800 rpm, and they face challenges in achieving high power transfer with efficient cooling and rotodynamic stability.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic coupling assembly with a static separation member having a length-to-diameter ratio greater than one, featuring channels for fluid flow to enhance cooling and rotodynamic stability, including non-uniform radial gaps and swirl breakers, and using non-ferromagnetic materials to reduce energy losses and improve stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the magnetic coupling section length to diameter ratio is increased to improve power coupling capability, then the coupling power increases, but the rotodynamic stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing forced fluid flow through channels to actively stabilize the rotodynamic behavior. The fluid circulation creates stabilizing forces that counteract the instability caused by the increased length-to-diameter ratio, allowing the system to dynamically maintain stability at higher coupling powers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulics by implementing fluid circulation channels that force liquid flow through the magnetic coupling assembly. This hydraulic system provides both cooling and rotodynamic stabilization, resolving the stability issue that arises from increased coupling power capability.
2Power
If the coupling power is increased beyond 800 kW, then the power transmission capability improves, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into multiple separate channels (first channel, second channel, axial internal channel, and fourth channel) distributed throughout the magnetic coupling assembly. This segmentation allows fluid to flow through multiple paths, significantly improving heat dissipation capability and cooling efficiency at high power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds axial dimension to the cooling system by implementing an axial internal channel running through the male coupling member, in addition to radial channels. This multi-dimensional cooling approach increases the surface area for heat transfer and improves overall cooling efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radial gap in channels is made uniform, then the manufacturing simplicity improves, but the rotodynamic stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the radial gap non-uniform in specific locations within the channels. The gap width varies along the flow direction, with different sections having different gap dimensions. This localized variation improves rotodynamic stability by creating beneficial flow patterns and pressure distributions, while the overall channel structure remains relatively simple.
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 solution enables higher power magnetic coupling with improved cooling and rotodynamic stability, allowing for power transfer exceeding 1 MW at over 3600 rpm, with reduced energy losses and extended service life, suitable for applications like subsea pumps and compressors.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable male coupling member (2) comprising magnets (3); a rotatable female coupling member (4) comprising magnets (5); The female (4) and male (2) coupling members are rotatable coupled by the magnets (3; 5) through the magnetic coupling section (10) of the static separation member (6)
Implementation Method 2
a first channel (7) in a gap between the male coupling member (2) and the separation member (6); a second channel (8) in a gap between the female coupling member (4) and the separation member (6); an axial internal channel (9) in the male coupling member (2); wherein the first channel (7), the second channel (8) and the axial internal channel (9) contain fluid (11) forced to flow through said channels for cooling
Implementation Method 3
wherein the first channel, the second channel and the axial internal channel contain fluid forced to flow through said channels for cooling and rotodynamic stabilization
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a magnetic coupling assembly (1), comprising: a rotatable male coupling member (2) comprising magnets (3); a rotatable female coupling member (4) comprising magnets (5); a static separation member (6) arranged between the male and female coupling members, a first channel (7) in a gap between the male coupling member and the separation member, a second channel (8) in a gap between the female coupling member and the separation member, an axial internal channel (9) in the male coupling member, a magnetic coupling section (10) of the static separation member, wherein said magnetic coupling section is the section of the static separation member between the magnets of the male coupling member and the magnets of the female coupling member, wherein the female and male coupling members are rotatable coupled by the magnets through the magnetic coupling section of the static separation member. The magnetic coupling assembly is distinguished in that: the first channel, the second channel and the axial internal channel contains fluid (11) forced to flow through said channels for cooling and rotodynamic stabilization, and the magnetic coupling section of the static separation member has a length to diameter ratio larger than one.