Rotary Machine Segmented Joiner Sealing and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary machines for power generation and/or pumping applications suffer from leakage and pressure loss due to complex engagement between the disc-shaped swing element and the spherical housing, and they face challenges in cooling due to geometric and sealing complexities.
Innovation Solution
A rotary machine design featuring a primary housing with a rotor that includes a secondary housing providing a compression chamber, a planar shaped joiner that partitions the compression chamber into subchambers, and a swinger bracket arrangement that imposes oscillatory rotation on the joiner, simplifying engagement and enhancing sealing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a disc-shaped swing element engages with a spherical housing for compression and decompression, then the rotary machine can perform power generation and pumping functions, but leakage and pressure loss occur due to the complex engagement geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical housing is divided into multiple compression chambers by the swing element, with each chamber independently sealed. The swing element itself is segmented into multiple sealing surfaces that engage with corresponding surfaces in the housing, creating discrete sealed zones that prevent leakage between chambers while maintaining the overall compression function.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated sealing element or sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the swing element and the spherical housing. This sealing intermediary fills the gaps created by the complex engagement geometry, preventing direct contact leakage paths while allowing the mechanical engagement required for compression and decompression cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a disc-shaped swing element engages with a spherical housing for compression and decompression, then the rotary machine can perform power generation and pumping functions, but pressure loss occurs due to the complex engagement geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The compression chamber is segmented into distinct zones with clear sealing boundaries, preventing pressure equalization between high and low pressure regions. This segmentation maintains pressure differentials more effectively, reducing energy loss from pressure equalization while preserving the compression-expansion cycle necessary for power generation and pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
Replaceable sealing rings or sealing elements are used at the engagement interfaces between the swing element and housing. These sealing components can be easily replaced when worn, maintaining optimal sealing performance and preventing pressure loss without requiring complex repair of the entire engagement mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical housing with complex geometric engagement is used, then compression and decompression can be achieved, but cooling becomes difficult due to geometric and sealing complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is extracted from the complex spherical housing geometry and implemented through separate, dedicated cooling channels and cooling elements. These cooling components are positioned to access the compression chambers without interfering with the sealing engagement between the swing element and housing, allowing independent optimization of both compression and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium or cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that circulates through dedicated cooling channels in the spherical housing and swing element. This cooling intermediary transfers heat from the compression chambers without requiring direct modification of the compression engagement geometry, resolving the conflict between sealing complexity and cooling accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a disc-shaped swing element with complex engagement geometry is used, then compression chambers can be formed, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex engagement geometry is segmented into standardized, modular components with repeating patterns of sealing surfaces and engagement features. This segmentation allows the swing element and housing to be manufactured using standard machining processes and assembled through repetitive, simplified steps, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the compression chamber formation capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary machine (1) for use in power generation and/or pumping applications, comprising a primary housing (2) enclosing a rotor (3) rotatably mounted in the primary housing (2) around a rotor axis (Y) having a fixed orientation with respect to the primary housing (2). The rotor (3) comprises a secondary housing (4) providing a compression chamber (5) in which a planar shaped joiner (6) is arranged that partitions the compression chamber (5) into four subchambers for (de)compression. The joiner (6) comprises two opposing joiner ends (6a, 6b) rotatably mounted to the rotor (3) around a joiner axis (X) which extends through the two opposing joiner ends (6a, 6b). The joiner axis (X) is orthogonal to and rotatable around the rotor axis (Y) in unison with the rotor (3) and the joiner (6).