Turbocompressor Shutdown Mechanism Using Counter-Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbocompressors experience significant wear due to high-speed operation, leading to increased shutdown times and reduced machine life, as existing technologies fail to effectively minimize component wear during shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A turbocompressor system incorporating a turbine, compressor, rotatable shaft, and electric motor, where the electric motor delivers a torque opposite to the direction of rotation to rapidly stop the compressor and turbine wheels, reducing shutdown time and wear on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the turbocompressor operates at high speeds to increase engine power, then engine performance is improved, but wear on turbocompressor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is activated before the turbocompressor shutdown to apply counter-torque and rapidly decelerate the rotating components. This preliminary action of engaging the motor reduces the shutdown time from 10-20 seconds to under 5 seconds, minimizing wear on bearings and extending component life while maintaining high-speed operational capability for engine power
2Ease of operation
If traditional shutdown methods are used, then the system stops naturally, but shutdown time is prolonged (10-20 seconds) causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical shutdown process with an active electric motor system that delivers counter-torque to the compressor wheel. This substitution of the shutdown mechanism reduces shutdown time from 10-20 seconds to under 5 seconds, significantly reducing wear on bearings and extending turbocompressor life
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 system achieves shutdown in less than 5 seconds, significantly reducing wear on bearings and extending turbocompressor life, compared to traditional shutdown methods which take 10 to 20 seconds.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor coupled to the compressor... configured to deliver a torque (τM) to the compressor wheel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the rotatable shaft
Implementation Method 2
a turbine wheel connected to the shaft and configured to rotate in response to a torque (τA) provided by the turbine air feed
Data Source
AI summary
Turbocompressors 1 comprise a turbine 10, a compressor 30, a rotatable shaft 20 connecting the turbine 10 and compressor 30 at opposite ends of the shaft 20, and an electric motor 50 coupled to the compressor 30. The turbine 10 comprises an inlet port 14 configured to receive an air feed, and a turbine wheel 12 connected to the shaft 20 and configured to rotate in response to a torque (τM) provided by the air feed. The rotation of the turbine wheel 12 is rotates the rotatable shaft 20 and a compressor wheel 32 of the compressor 30 connected thereto. The compressor 30 comprises an inlet port configured to receive and compress an air feed. The electric motor 50 may deliver a torque (τM) to the compressor wheel 32 in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the rotatable shaft 20 in order to shut down the turbocompressor 1.