Rotating Machine Clearance Control via Cabin Thermal Displacement Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating machine systems face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling the clearance between rotating and stationary parts due to thermal deformation, which can lead to contact issues if not managed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring and control device that acquires temperatures at multiple positions within the vehicle cabin of a rotating machine and calculates an index indicating displacement in the up-down direction, allowing for precise adjustment of the clearance through heating or cooling units to maintain an appropriate gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed at multiple positions to monitor thermal deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle cabin is divided into multiple temperature zones (upper-half portion and lower-half portion) with temperature sensors installed at each segment. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of thermal deformation at different locations, improving measurement precision without requiring a complete redesign of the monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature values serve as intermediary parameters that indirectly indicate the clearance state between rotating and stationary parts. Instead of directly measuring the difficult-to-access clearance, the system uses temperature as a mediator to infer displacement and clearance changes, simplifying the measurement approach while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If the vehicle cabin is actively cooled or heated to maintain clearance, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperatures at multiple positions and uses this feedback to determine when cooling or heating is needed. The control unit activates cooling only when the upper-half temperature exceeds the lower-half temperature by a predetermined threshold, and activates heating when the opposite occurs. This feedback-based approach maintains reliability by responding only when necessary, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the vehicle cabin selectively based on measured conditions. By adjusting the temperature of specific portions (upper or lower half) rather than the entire cabin, the system maintains clearance reliability while minimizing energy consumption through targeted temperature control.
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
This solution enables more effective monitoring and control of the clearance between rotating and stationary parts, preventing contact and ensuring optimal operational conditions by using temperature sensors and calculation indices to adjust the vehicle cabin's position and shape.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle cabin may move up and down due to a temperature difference at a plurality of positions of the vehicle cabin
Implementation Method 2
a position of the casing in a height direction is adjusted based on the estimation result
Implementation Method 3
an upper-half portion of the casing is cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring and control device for monitoring or controlling the clearance of a rotating machine including a vehicle cabin containing rotating and stationary parts comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of temperatures at a plurality of locations in the vehicle cabin; and an index calculation unit configured to calculate an index indicating the vertical displacement of the vehicle cabin on the basis of the plurality of temperatures.