Radial Turbo Compressor Flange Support Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial turbo compressors typically require more space and are heavier than axial flow compressors, making them less suitable for applications with limited space constraints, especially during assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact radial turbo compressor design with a casing supported by flange connections that transmit mechanical loads, featuring a one-piece cast stainless steel casing with integrated ribs for increased stiffness and a semi-external semi-internal volute to optimize space usage, and a drive unit connected in a gas-tight manner to minimize additional support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial turbo compressor is used, then robustness and flexibility are improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is merged with the compressor casing to form an integrated assembly. The drive unit is mounted directly on the compressor casing, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall space consumption while maintaining the robustness of the radial turbo compressor design
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor casing serves multiple functions: it houses the impeller, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting surface for the drive unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and reduces space requirements
2Reliability
If a radial turbo compressor is used, then robustness is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit and compressor casing are merged into a single integrated structure. The drive unit is mounted directly on the casing, eliminating redundant support structures and reducing overall weight while preserving the robustness of the radial turbo compressor
3Strength
If traditional support structures are used, then mechanical load transmission is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the compressor casing itself. The casing is designed to directly transmit mechanical loads from the impeller to the drive unit mounting surface, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing device complexity while ensuring adequate load transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor casing serves as both the housing for the impeller and the support structure for the drive unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the strength required for mechanical load transmission
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 design reduces space requirements and supports the compressor's mechanical loads effectively, allowing for robust and flexible operation in space-constrained environments while maintaining high efficiency and aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
a radial turbo compressor (TCO) comprising at least one impeller (IP), at least one casing (CS), wherein the impeller (IP) is rotatable about an axis (X)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a radial turbo compressor (TCO) including at least one impeller (IP) at least one casing (CS), the impeller (IP) is rotatable about an axis (X), the casing (CS) comprises an inlet (IL) upstream of the impeller (IP), the inlet (IL) comprising an inlet flange (IF) to be mounted to a process gas pipe (PGP), the casing (CS) comprises an outlet (OL) down-stream of the impeller (IP) comprising an outlet flange (OF), the casing (CS) comprises an outlet volute (VL) extending about the axis (X) downstream of the impeller (IP) and upstream of the outlet (OL), and the radial turbo compressor (TCO) comprises a drive unit (DRU) driving the impeller (IP) and being mounted to the casing (CS). In order to simplify exhaust gas quality improvement the invention proposes that the casing (CS) is exclusively supported by the inlet flange (IF) and the outlet flange (OF), the casing (CS) comprises a drive unit flange (DRF), the drive unit (DRU) comprises a fixation flange (FF), the drive unit flange (DRF) and the fixation flange (FF) are fixedly connected to each other by fixation elements (FE), the drive unit (DRU) being exclusively supported by the fixation flange (FF). Further, the invention deals with an arrangement (AR) comprising such a turbo compressor (TCO).