Passive Actuator for Vertical Pump Vibration Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical pumps experience vibration issues due to resonance effects caused by structural natural frequencies, which are difficult to predict and manage, especially when the stiffness of the foundation and motor design are not accurately known, leading to premature bearing failure and wear. Existing solutions like passive dynamic absorbers and resilient layers have limited effectiveness and are costly, requiring expert knowledge and iterative testing.
Innovation Solution
A passive actuator system that automatically changes stiffness between the column pipe and the canister based on temperature changes, allowing for easy installation and removal of the pump, and can be retrofitted to existing systems, using temperature-sensitive materials or phase-changing fluids to provide effective vibration suppression without requiring complex design or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the column pipe is fixed to the canister to increase stiffness and suppress vibration, then vibration suppression is improved, but the ease of installation and removal of the pump deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system dynamically changes the stiffness of the connection between the column pipe and canister based on operating conditions. During operation, the actuators activate to provide stiff support for vibration suppression. During installation and removal, the actuators deactivate to allow easy movement, thus resolving the contradiction between needing stiffness for vibration control and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of stiffness by controlling the actuators. The actuators can transition between extended and retracted states, thereby changing the mechanical stiffness of the support structure. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between requiring stiff support during operation and flexible movement during installation/removal.
2Reliability
If passive dynamic absorbers and resilient layers are used to suppress vibration, then vibration suppression is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex passive dynamic absorbers or resilient layers, the invention uses simple actuators that change their stiffness parameter based on operating conditions. This approach achieves vibration suppression through controlled parameter changes rather than through complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the stiffness of the foundation is increased to shift natural frequencies, then vibration suppression is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the entire foundation structure, the invention segments the vibration control function into discrete actuators that can be independently installed and controlled. This allows vibration suppression to be achieved through localized components rather than requiring complex foundation modifications, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation.
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 passive actuator system efficiently suppresses column pipe vibrations, is adaptable to various applications, and can be easily installed on-site, effectively shifting natural frequencies away from operational speeds, thus preventing resonance and extending equipment lifespan without the need for complete pump redesign.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is designed to automatically change from the second operational state to the first operational state when the temperature of the passive actuator element changes from a second temperature to a first temperature
Implementation Method 2
The chamber is filled with a medium, preferably water or a water containing mixture, wherein the medium is liquid in the second operational state and solid in the first operational state
Data Source
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AI summary
A passive actuator is proposed for suppressing a vibration of a column pipe of a vertical pump, wherein the actuator (10) is adapted for being mounted between the column pipe (3) of the vertical pump (1) and a canister (6) surrounding the column pipe (3), said passive actuator (10) having a first operational state for adding stiffness between the canister and the column pipe (3) and a second operational state for at least reducing said stiffness, wherein the passive actuator (10) comprises a plurality of passive actuator elements (20), each of which is designed to automatically change from the second operational state to the first operational state when the temperature of the passive actuator element (20) changes from a second temperature to a first temperature, the first temperature being different from the second temperature, and to automatically change from the first operational state to the second operational state, when the temperature of the passive actuator element (20) changes from the first temperature to the second temperature. In addition, a vertical pump is proposed comprising such a passive actuator (10) as well as a method of retrofitting a vertical pump.