Rotary Transformer Power Supply for Centrifugal Separator Rotors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators face challenges in providing stable operating conditions for electric energy users, such as sensors and actuators, due to the disruption of power supply during rotation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotary transformer that continuously supplies alternating current to users of electric energy within the rotor arrangement, ensuring continuous operation regardless of the rotor's rotational state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional energy transfer methods are used in centrifugal separators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of electric energy supply to rotating components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary transformer as an intermediary device between the stationary power source and the rotating user of electric energy. The transformer comprises a stator with primary coil and a rotor with secondary coil, enabling contactless electrical energy transfer through electromagnetic induction. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing reliable power to rotating components without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connections that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical energy transfer methods (such as sliding contacts or commutators) with an electromagnetic field-based rotary transformer. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact instability, thereby improving the reliability of electric power supply to rotating sensors and actuators while maintaining system complexity at an acceptable level.
2Reliability
If a rotary transformer is implemented to provide continuous power, then the reliability of electric energy supply is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary transformer is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides continuous electrical power supply to both stationary and rotating users of electric energy, supports high rotational speeds, and enables operation of high-current consumers. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the patent improves reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electromagnetic induction principles where the transformer operates across varying rotational parameters. The transformer maintains effective electrical energy transfer despite changes in rotational speed, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms, thus balancing reliability improvement with manageable device complexity.
3Productivity
If intermittent energy transfer is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity of rotating components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary transformer enables continuous electrical energy transfer to rotating components throughout the entire rotation cycle. The magnetic coupling between stator and rotor coils maintains uninterrupted power supply even during high-speed rotation, eliminating intermittent energy transfer and enabling continuous operation of sensors and actuators, thereby significantly improving productivity.
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 stable and continuous power supply to sensors, actuators, and control units within the rotor arrangement, allowing for efficient separation and control processes during both rotation and stationary states.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary transformer, the rotary transformer comprising a transformer stator and a transformer rotor, wherein the transformer stator and the transformer rotor are arranged adjacent to each other with an airgap therebetween, and wherein the transformer rotor comprises a secondary coil and is rotatable together with the rotor arrangement, and wherein the secondary coil is electrically connected to the user of electric energy arranged in the rotor arrangement for providing the user of electric energy with an electric current
Implementation Method 2
A centrifugal separator comprises a rotor arrangement and a drive arrangement. The rotor arrangement comprises a spindle and a separator bowl. The drive arrangement is configured for rotating the rotor arrangement about a rotation axis. Inside the separator bowl there is a separation space wherein a stack of frustoconical separation discs is arranged. A fluid mixture is fed into the separation space and the disc stack, and is separated into at least a light fluid phase and a heavy fluid phase during rotation of the rotor.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A centrifugal separator (1) comprising a rotor arrangement (2) and a drive arrangement (5) is disclosed. A user of electric energy (12) is arranged in the rotor arrangement (2). The centrifugal separator comprises a rotary transformer (14), the rotary transformer comprising a transformer stator and a transformer rotor. The transformer stator and the transformer rotor are arranged adjacent to each other with an airgap therebetween. The transformer rotor comprises a secondary coil and is rotatable together with the rotor arrangement (2). The secondary coil is electrically connected to the user of electric energy (12) arranged in the rotor arrangement (2) for providing the user of electric energy (12) with an electric current.