Turning Apparatus Reverse Rotation Prevention via Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing turning apparatuses for steam turbines face frequent damage due to excessive loads during reverse rotation, leading to increased replacement and repair frequencies, as the one-way clutch is subjected to higher loads when preventing reverse rotation, which can result in damage and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A turning apparatus equipped with an electric motor, pinion gear, and a control device that detects changes in current values to anticipate and prevent reverse rotation by reversing the pinion gear's rotation direction, thereby avoiding excessive loads and reducing operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-way clutch is used to prevent reverse rotation of the turbine rotor, then reverse rotation is prevented, but the one-way clutch receives excessive load and is damaged frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The control device detects current value changes that indicate impending reverse rotation and actuates the pinion gear to disengage from the wheel gear before actual reverse rotation occurs. This preliminary action prevents the one-way clutch from experiencing excessive reverse rotation torque, thereby maintaining its reliability and reducing damage frequency
2Strength
If the pinion gear is removed to protect the turning apparatus from excessive load during normal rotation, then the turning apparatus is protected, but the apparatus cannot handle reverse rotation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the current value of the electric motor and uses this feedback to detect when reverse rotation is about to occur. Based on this feedback, the system automatically actuates the pinion gear to disengage, enabling the turning apparatus to handle reverse rotation forces without damage while maintaining protection during normal operation
3Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and operation is used to prevent reverse rotation damage, then operational control is maintained, but operator burden increases and detection errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically performs the function of monitoring current values and actuating the pinion gear to prevent reverse rotation damage. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual monitoring and operation, reducing operator burden while improving detection accuracy through automated electrical sensing and control
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 decreases the frequency of replacement and repair by automatically managing reverse rotation loads, preventing damage to the turning apparatus and reducing operational risks through automated control of the pinion gear's position.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor; a pinion gear which is rotationally driven in a first rotation direction to rotationally drive a wheel gear provided in a rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A turning apparatus includes: an electric motor; a pinion gear that rotationally drives a wheel gear provided in a rotor in a first rotation direction and moves to a first position where the pinion gear can transmit a rotation of the electric motor to the wheel gear and a second position where the pinion gear cannot transmit the rotation of the electric motor to the wheel gear; a current value detection unit that detects a current value of the electric motor in a state where the pinion gear is positioned at the first position; and a control device that controls the electric motor to rotate the pinion gear in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction based on the current value detected by the current value detection unit.