Gas Bearing Rotor Support Using Working Gas Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engines are complex and heavy due to the inclusion of oil-lubricated bearings, which complicates their design and operation, and there is a need for a simpler, lighter alternative that can effectively support rotor assemblies without oil-lubricated bearings.
Innovation Solution
The use of gas bearings that provide hydrostatically pressurized compliant bearing pads with a flow of working gas to support and lubricate rotary components, eliminating the need for oil-lubricated bearings and associated supporting structures, thereby simplifying the bearing configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oil-lubricated bearings are used to support rotor assemblies, then reliable support and lubrication are provided, but device complexity and weight increase due to sumps, oil pumps, oil lines, and other supporting features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the oil-lubrication system (sumps, oil pumps, oil lines) from the bearing configuration, retaining only the essential bearing function through gas bearings that use the engine's operating gas for lubrication, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces oil-lubricated bearings with gas bearings that utilize pneumatic principles, where compressed gas (air or other operating gases) provides the lubrication and support function previously achieved by hydraulic oil systems, eliminating the need for complex oil containment and circulation infrastructure
2Reliability
If oil-lubricated bearings with supporting infrastructure are included, then adequate lubrication is provided, but the gas turbine engine becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy oil-containing components (sumps, oil pumps, oil lines) from the system, retaining only the essential bearing support function through gas bearings that use lightweight gas for lubrication, significantly reducing the overall engine weight while maintaining lubrication effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy hydraulic oil system with a lightweight pneumatic gas system, where compressed gas provides the necessary lubrication and bearing support functions, eliminating the weight penalty associated with oil containment and circulation infrastructure
3Device complexity
If gas bearings are used to support rotary components, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but the ability to support constant static force and dynamic force must be achieved through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gas bearings that use pneumatic pressure to generate bearing pads that support both constant static forces (from rotor weight) and dynamic forces (from operational imbalances), replacing mechanical oil-lubricated bearings with a gas-based force support mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lubrication medium from liquid (oil) to gas (compressed air or other gases), altering the pressure and flow parameters to achieve adequate force support capability while maintaining the benefits of simplified configuration and reduced weight
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 solution results in a simpler, lighter, and less expensive gas turbine engine with reduced complexity, as gas bearings effectively support rotary components, reducing the need for oil-lubricated bearings and their supporting infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing weight.
Implementation Method 1
hydrostatically pressurized compliant bearing pads with a flow of working gas to support and lubricate rotary components
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine for an aeronautical device includes a thrust generator. The rotary machine additionally includes a rotary component rotatable with the thrust generator. Moreover, the rotary machine of the present disclosure includes a plurality of gas bearings, with the plurality of gas bearings substantially completely supporting the rotary component of the rotary machine.