Removable Rotor Grasping Element for Turbomachine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
During maintenance of turbomachines, the lack of a turning gear coupled to the rotor necessitates uncontrolled methods such as using chain falls or cranes to turn the rotor, which inhibits quality maintenance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A rotor turning system featuring a removable grasping element that frictionally engages the smooth exterior circumference of the rotor, coupled with a drive linkage and rotary driver to apply torque and control the turning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pinion gear is integrally built into or permanently affixed to the rotor end, then the rotor can be turned using a mating geared drive, but the rotor cannot be easily manufactured or modified to include the pinion gear since it typically has only a smooth exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
A removable pinion gear assembly acts as an intermediary device that temporarily couples to the rotor flange during maintenance operations. This assembly includes a pinion gear mounted on a shaft with a coupling mechanism that engages the rotor flange, enabling controlled turning without permanently modifying the rotor. The intermediary nature allows the system to gain turning capability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion gear assembly transitions from a stationary state to an engaged state with the rotor, and can be easily removed when no longer needed. The coupling mechanism allows dynamic attachment and detachment, transforming the rotor from a non-turnable state to a turnable state temporarily, then back to the original state after maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If chain falls, come-alongs or cranes are used to turn the rotor during maintenance, then the rotor can be rotated, but the method is uncontrolled and may inhibit providing quality maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The pinion gear assembly serves as a controlled intermediary between the external turning force and the rotor. Instead of directly applying uncontrolled forces with chain falls or cranes, the pinion gear provides a mechanical interface that translates external torque into controlled rotational motion of the rotor, enabling precise and reliable turning during maintenance operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotor is uncoupled from the generator during maintenance, then access to components is improved, but the generator turning gear is no longer available to turn the rotor
Solution Approach 1:
The turning capability is segmented into a separate, removable pinion gear assembly that can be independently applied to the rotor regardless of the generator coupling status. This segmentation allows the rotor to be uncoupled from the generator for maintenance access while the pinion gear assembly can still be attached to provide turning capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion gear assembly acts as an intermediary turning mechanism that replaces the generator turning gear function. When the generator is uncoupled, the pinion gear assembly couples to the rotor flange and provides the necessary turning capability, serving as a temporary substitute for the permanent generator turning gear.
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
Enables controlled and efficient turning of rotors during maintenance, reducing the need for cranes and improving safety by providing a methodical and efficient means to rotate the rotor, applicable to various rotor configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a friction element configured to frictionally grasp a portion of a smooth exterior circumference of a rotor
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor turning system (100) for turning a rotor is provided. The system (100) includes a rotary driver (110) including a rotating drive shaft (112). A removable rotor grasping element (120) is configured to frictionally grasp at least a portion of an exterior circumference (122) of a portion of the rotor (102). A drive linkage (150) couples the rotating drive shaft (112) to the rotor grasping element (120) to impart a torque to the rotor with the rotor grasping element to turn the rotor. A rotor grasping element is also provided for grasping a substantially smooth exterior surface of a rotor to allow for turning of the rotor. A related method is also provided.