Removable Electrical Connection for Turbomachine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of turbomachines, such as those with compressors and expanders, is time-consuming due to the need to physically disconnect electrical wires and remove large components, which complicates the replacement of bearing systems and increases downtime.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine design featuring an external casing with a removably attached cartridge and an electrical connection system comprising a male and female part, where the male part is externally attachable and removable, allowing for axial sliding of the bundle containing the compressor and expander, enabling quick disconnection and reconnection without manual interior wiring disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the electrical wires are physically disconnected from the terminal box inside the casing, then the bearing system can be replaced, but the maintenance time increases due to the need to access internal electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is segmented into two separate parts: a first part fixedly connected to the cartridge and a second part movably connected to the external casing. This segmentation allows the electrical connection to be maintained externally while the cartridge is removed for maintenance, eliminating the need to disconnect internal electrical wires and significantly reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second part of the electrical connection acts as an intermediary between the external casing and the cartridge. It allows electrical connectivity to be maintained or disconnected without requiring physical access to the internal terminal box, serving as a mediator that simplifies the maintenance process.
2Loss of time
If the cartridge is made removable for easy maintenance, then the maintenance time is reduced, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is divided into two functional segments that can operate independently. The first part remains fixed on the cartridge while the second part moves with the external casing, allowing the electrical connection to adapt to the removable cartridge design without requiring complex internal wiring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the electrical connection is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the presence or absence of the cartridge. This dynamic design simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex internal electrical disconnection mechanisms while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes an expander; a central region having a first end attached to the expander; a compressor attached to a second end of the central region; an electrical device provided inside the central region; and an electrical connection including a first part and a second part, the first part being configured to be removably attached directly to the second part. The first part is configured to be removably attached to an external surface of an external casing of the central region, and the second part is configured to be fixedly attached to a bundle.