Thrust Bearing Cooling Path for Air Machine Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air machines, the stagnant air within hollow cavities adjacent to thrust bearing surfaces leads to heat buildup, which can cause inefficiencies and performance issues due to the lack of effective cooling.
Innovation Solution
A cooling air path is integrated to supply air across the thrust bearing surface, with communication holes allowing cooling air to flow into hollow chambers, enhancing heat transfer and reducing heat retention by displacing static air, thus improving thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hollow chamber is provided adjacent to the thrust bearing surface, then structural support and mounting are improved, but heat buildup occurs due to stagnant air causing thermal management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling air path that directs compressed air through the hollow chamber and across the thrust bearing surface. This pneumatic flow replaces the stagnant air with moving cooling air, effectively removing heat from the bearing interface while maintaining the structural hollow chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of air within the hollow chamber from stagnant to flowing by introducing compressed air through the cooling path. This parameter change (from static to dynamic air) transforms the thermal characteristics, enabling heat removal while preserving the structural benefits of the hollow chamber.
2Temperature
If cooling air is supplied across the thrust bearing surface, then heat transfer is improved, but additional cooling infrastructure and air paths are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air path serves multiple functions: it cools the thrust bearing surface, pressurizes the hollow chamber to prevent oil contamination, and provides structural support through the hollow chamber design. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall device complexity despite the added cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing hollow chamber structure and compressor air supply system. The cooling air path integrates with the compressor outlet, utilizing already-compressed air for dual purposes (compression and cooling), thereby minimizing additional infrastructure requirements.
3Temperature
If compressed air is used for cooling the thrust bearing, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but compressed air supply and distribution systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressor's own output air to cool the thrust bearing, creating a self-service cooling system. The compressed air generated for the primary function automatically becomes the cooling medium, eliminating the need for separate cooling air generation equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air from the compressor serves dual purposes: it performs the primary compression function and simultaneously provides cooling for the thrust bearing through the integrated cooling path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling air supply systems.
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 solution effectively reduces heat generation and transfer at the thrust bearing surfaces, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of air machine components by maintaining lower temperatures and preventing heat-related inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling air path supplies air across a thrust bearing surface, and between the member and the first housing wall. The first housing wall also has a communication hole for communicating cooling air from cooling air path into the hollow chamber to drive air within the hollow chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The solution effectively reduces heat generation and transfer at the thrust bearing surfaces, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of air machine components by maintaining lower temperatures and preventing heat-related inefficiencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor rotor compresses and delivers compressed air across a turbine rotor. The turbine rotor is connected to the compressor rotor such that rotation of the turbine rotor drives the compressor rotor. A shaft is connected to rotate with the turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. A thrust bearing is provided by a member extending perpendicular and radially outwardly of the shaft. The member rotates with the shaft and faces a first housing wall. A hollow chamber is formed on an opposed side of the first housing wall. A cooling air path supplies air across a thrust bearing surface, and between the member and the first housing wall. The first housing wall has a communication hole for communicating cooling air from the cooling air path into the hollow cavity to drive air within the hollow chamber. Also, a housing incorporating the communication hole is disclosed.