Rotational Seal Plate with Internal Plenum for Frictional Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotational seal designs for equipment, such as gas turbines, face challenges in effectively managing heat generated by frictional forces between rotating and stationary structures, as existing cooling mechanisms like internal fluid passages do not fully optimize heat transfer and lubricant distribution.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus with a monolithic annular seal plate featuring a fluid circuit comprising inlet, cooling, and outlet passages, along with a lubricant scoop and internal plenum, which directs lubricant through a network of passages to enhance cooling by increasing the time for heat transfer and distributing lubricant efficiently across the seal interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If internal cooling passages are incorporated into the seal plate, then seal plate cooling is improved, but the cooling efficiency is still insufficient to fully manage frictional heat
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple functional components: inlet passages distribute lubricant to an internal plenum, which then directs flow through multiple cooling passages at different locations. This segmentation allows systematic cooling of different thermal zones within the seal plate, improving overall cooling efficiency compared to a single passage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a plenum chamber dimension to the traditional linear cooling passage design. The plenum creates a three-dimensional lubricant distribution network that allows flow to reach multiple cooling passages from a central reservoir, enabling more comprehensive thermal management across the seal plate's volume rather than just surface cooling.
2Reliability
If lubricant flow is increased through the seal plate, then cooling efficiency is improved, but lubricant distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The internal plenum acts as an intermediary reservoir between the inlet passages and the multiple cooling passages. It receives lubricant from inlet passages and distributes it uniformly to various cooling passages, ensuring consistent flow distribution. This mediator component prevents direct high-velocity flow from creating uneven distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling passages are positioned at specific locations within the seal plate to address local thermal conditions. The plenum enables each cooling passage to receive optimized lubricant flow tailored to its specific thermal load, creating locally adapted cooling zones rather than uniform flow throughout.
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 described solution effectively manages heat by prolonging lubricant contact with the seal elements, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing operational temperatures through optimized lubricant flow and distribution within the seal apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
frictional forces generated by the engagement between the seal plate and the seal element may cause a temperature of the seal plate to rise. Lubricant therefore may be provided to cool the seal plate
Implementation Method 2
The annular seal plate may include a lubricant scoop. The lubricant scoop may form an annular gutter. The inlet passages may fluidly couple and extend between the annular gutter and the internal plenum
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing apparatus (16) for rotational equipment includes an annular seal plate (20) rotatable around an axis (26). The annular seal plate (20) includes an annular seal land surface (48), an internal plenum (62), a plurality of inlet passages (64), a plurality of cooling passages (66) and a plurality of outlet passages (68). The inlet passages (64) are arranged about the axis (26). Each of the inlet passages (64) extends into the annular seal plate (20) to the internal plenum (62). The cooling passages (66) are arranged about the axis (26). Each of the cooling passages (66) extends into the annular seal plate (20) from the annular seal land surface (48) to the internal plenum (62). The outlet passages (68) are arranged about the axis (26). Each of the outlet passages (68) extends into the annular seal plate (20) to the internal plenum (62). The outlet passages (68) are arranged radially between the inlet passages (64) and the cooling passages (66).