Pump Motor Rotor Can Damping for Thinner High-Efficiency Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of wet-running electric motors in pump units is compromised by the can separating the stator and rotor, which requires a greater distance between them, leading to reduced motor efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit design that incorporates axial and radial damping parts between the rotor can and the surrounding support structure, allowing for a reduced thickness of the rotor can without transferring vibrations to the surrounding pump structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the can thickness is reduced to increase motor efficiency, then the gap between rotor and stator can be reduced improving efficiency, but vibrations occur in the rotor can which transfer to the surrounding support structure causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping part as an intermediary element between the rotor can and the support structure. This damping part absorbs and dissipates vibrations, preventing them from transferring to the support structure while allowing the rotor can to be made thinner for improved motor efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping part is pre-installed between the rotor can and the support structure to provide cushioning against vibrations before they can cause harm. This beforehand protection allows the system to operate with thinner can walls without risking vibration-related damage.
2Loss of energy
If the can thickness is reduced to improve motor efficiency, then the gap between rotor and stator decreases, but the structural strength and stability of the rotor can are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The damping part serves as a mediator that compensates for the reduced structural strength of the thinner rotor can. By absorbing vibrations and reducing stress concentrations, the damping part allows the rotor can to maintain sufficient strength despite the reduced wall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure where the rotor can (metallic material) is combined with the damping part (elastomeric or polymeric material). This composite approach allows the thin-walled rotor can to achieve the necessary mechanical strength and vibration resistance through the combined properties of both materials.
3Loss of energy
If damping parts are added to reduce vibrations and noise, then motor efficiency can be improved by reducing can thickness, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping part is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration damping, noise reduction, and mechanical support for the rotor can. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the component by delivering multiple benefits from a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping part integrates several functions into a single component, merging vibration isolation, noise damping, and structural support functions. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
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 arrangement of damping parts supports the rotor can in both axial and radial directions, reducing vibrations and allowing for a thinner rotor can, thereby enhancing motor efficiency and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
there is arranged at least one axial damping part between an axial surface of the can and the support structure. Furthermore, there is arranged at least one radial damping part between an outer circumferential surface of the can and the support structure. The axial and the radial damping part allow a support of the can in axial and radial direction via a damping part arranged therebetween. The damping parts avoid vibrations occurring in the rotor can to be transferred to the surrounding support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump unit includes at least one impeller (4) and an electric motor connected to the at least one impeller (4). The electric motor includes a stator (12), a rotor (8) and a can (18) between the stator (12) and the rotor (8). The can (18), on its first axial end, is in engagement with a support structure (10). At least one axial damping part (32) is arranged between an axial surface (26) of the can (18) and the support structure (10), and at least one radial damping part (34) is arranged between an outer circumferential surface of the can (18) and the support structure (10).