Single-Shaft Compressor Expander Layout for Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machine unit layout systems, particularly geared type compressor and expander units, face challenges due to complexity, large size, and alignment issues, affecting reliability and maintainability due to multiple shafts and differing operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A machine unit layout system with a single-shaft multistage structure for both compressor and expander units, where the drive unit is centered with compressor units on both sides and expander units outside, connected by single rotor shafts for optimized torque distribution, and heat exchangers positioned beneath in a perpendicular direction to the shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a geared type compressor and expander are used with multiple shafts, then the machine can handle different operating temperatures, but the shaft alignment becomes difficult and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressor and expander units onto a single shaft system, eliminating the need for multiple shafts and their associated alignment problems. This single shaft design maintains the ability to handle different operating temperatures while significantly improving alignment reliability and reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shaft system is designed to accommodate both compressor and expander units with different operating temperature requirements, making it a universal platform that handles multiple functions without requiring separate shaft systems for each temperature regime.
2Power
If a geared type unit with multiple shafts is used, then power transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shaft functions into a single shaft system that transmits power to both compressor and expander units, thereby reducing the number of shafts from multiple to one while maintaining the required power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shaft is segmented into multiple sections or stages, each connecting to different units (compressor and expander), allowing power transmission to multiple components through one unified shaft structure rather than requiring separate shafts for each component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a train configuration with multiple units is used, then functional requirements are met, but the machine size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional units (compressor and expander) onto a single integrated platform with a common shaft system, reducing the overall machine footprint by eliminating the need for separate train configurations while maintaining all required functional capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a machine unit layout system that simplifies the layout of a compressor unit and an expander unit and is extremely effective in terms of not only the reliability of the entire machine but also maintainability. Two separate compressors, a low-pressure-side compressor and a high-pressure-side compressor (11A, llb), are disposed on either side of a steam turbine (10). Two separate expanders, a low-pressure-side expander and a high-pressure-side expander (12A, 12B), are disposed outside the low-pressure-side and high-pressure-side compressors (11A, 11b). The steam turbine (10), the low-pressure-side and high-pressure-side compressors (11A, 11b), and the low-pressure-side and high-pressure-side expanders (12A, 12B) are coupled by rotor shafts comprising a single shaft. The torque distribution between rotator shafts is optimized.