Rotary Machine Thrust Bearing Load Control via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary machines with thrust bearing devices face challenges in managing high thrust loads due to limitations in applying high pressure using oil pressure, leading to ineffective seal management and inability to cope with increased rotor thrust loads.
Innovation Solution
A rotary machine design featuring a rotor with first and second thrust collars, each with corresponding thrust bearing devices and a load control device that includes a drive device to manage axial loads by controlling oil pressure and using a dual oil supply system for independent oil pressure management, allowing for leveling of excessive loads across thrust bearing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If oil pressure is used to drive the piston (rotating body), then the thrust load can be reduced, but the seal for hydraulic oil becomes problematic and high pressure cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple segments with first and second thrust collars, each having its own thrust bearing device. This segmentation allows the thrust load to be distributed across multiple bearing devices rather than relying on a single high-pressure hydraulic piston system, thereby avoiding seal reliability issues while still achieving thrust load reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
A load control device is introduced as an intermediary between the thrust bearing devices and the hydraulic system. This intermediary controls the load distribution to ensure that the hydraulic pressure remains within manageable limits (avoiding the need for extremely high pressures), thus preventing seal failure while still enabling effective thrust load management.
2Device complexity
If a single thrust bearing device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot cope with high thrust loads on the rotor
Solution Approach 1:
The single thrust bearing device is segmented into multiple thrust bearing devices (first and second thrust bearing devices), each supporting a portion of the thrust load. This segmentation increases the total thrust load capacity while keeping each individual bearing device relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device dynamically adjusts the load distribution between the first and second thrust bearing devices based on operating conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying thrust loads, maintaining optimal performance across different operating regimes without requiring an overly complex static structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple thrust bearing bodies are disposed on both sides of the thrust collar, then the thrust load can be received in both axial directions, but the number of thrust bearing bodies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second thrust bearing devices are positioned asymmetrically relative to the first and second thrust collars, respectively. This asymmetric arrangement allows the bearing devices to effectively receive thrust loads in both axial directions while minimizing the total number of bearing bodies required, as each bearing device is strategically positioned to maximize its load-bearing efficiency.
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 effectively manages high thrust loads by distributing and controlling axial loads across multiple thrust bearing devices, reducing the number of thrust bearing bodies required and enabling independent control of oil pressure, thus enhancing the rotary machine's capability to handle increased loads.
Implementation Method 1
the drive device may be configured to press the second thrust bearing body via the oil pressure in a direction opposite a direction load acts on the second thrust bearing device
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine, including:a rotor (2) extending in an axial direction, the rotor including a first thrust collar (35) and a second thrust collar (36) projecting radially outward; a first thrust bearing device (31) configured to receive load acting in the axial direction via the first thrust collar (35); a second thrust bearing device (32) configured to receive load acting in the axial direction via the second thrust collar (36); and a load control device (16) configured to control load acting on at least one of the first thrust bearing device (31) and the second thrust bearing device (32).