Turbomachine arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine arrangements, known as 'companders,' face inefficiencies due to the need for additional energy to operate the compressor and expander in their optimal speed ranges, leading to reduced energy recovery and increased maintenance and space requirements when operated separately.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine arrangement where the first compressor rotor is driven exclusively by the expander rotor via a shaft, with a second turbo-compressor connected in parallel or series, and a transmission-driven third compressor, all housed together, allowing optimal operation of the expander and efficient energy recovery without additional drives, and utilizing a shared lubricant system for compactness and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shaft coupling the expander to the compressor is additionally driven, then the compressor can be operated, but neither the compressor nor the expander can always be operated in the optimal speed range
Solution Approach 1:
The compression task is segmented between two independent compressors: the first compressor is driven exclusively by the expander rotor through a shaft, while the second compressor is driven separately via a transmission and drive shaft. This segmentation allows each compressor to operate independently in its optimal speed range without compromising the other's performance.
2Ease of operation
If the compressor and expander are operated separately from one another, then each can operate in optimal speed range, but the energy recovery potential is reduced due to additional conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The first compressor and expander are merged into a directly coupled system where the expander rotor drives the first compressor rotor through a shared shaft. This direct coupling eliminates intermediate conversion losses and enables efficient energy recovery while maintaining optimal operation of both components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate systems are used for compressor and expander, then each can be optimized independently, but there is a need for a greater amount of maintenance and space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compressors and the expander are merged into a single integrated housing, sharing common structural support, lubrication systems, and spatial envelope. This consolidation reduces the overall space requirement and simplifies maintenance compared to completely separate systems, while each compressor retains its independent drive system for optimized operation.
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
This configuration enables efficient energy recovery and optimal operation of the expander, achieving a compact and efficient design with reduced maintenance needs, while utilizing recovered energy for lubricant circulation and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor rotor (5), which is driven exclusively by an expander rotor (3) via the shaft (2), which connects the expander and compressor rotors
Implementation Method 2
the shaft (2) and the drive shaft (10) are mounted in the housing (1) in fluid-lubricated bearings (13)
Implementation Method 3
connected to one shared lubricant distribution system for providing a lubricant
Implementation Method 4
The second compressor rotor (8) is driven via a transmission (9), which is accommodated in the housing (1), and via a drive shaft (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine arrangement includes a housing, a turbo-expander formed with an expander rotor, a turbo-compressor formed with a first compressor rotor, and a shaft that is rotatably mounted on the housing. The shaft connects the expander rotor to the compressor rotor. The first turbo-compressor can be driven exclusively by the turbo-expander. A second turbo-compressor having a second compressor rotor is disposed on the housing such that the second compressor rotor is connected to the first turbo-compressor in parallel or in series. The second compressor rotor is driven via a transmission accommodated in the housing and via a drive shaft connecting the transmission to the second compressor rotor.