Low friction fluid bearing and turbine using same

Details Low friction fluid bearing and turbine using same Low friction fluid bearing and turbine using same

1999-10-29

2001-01-30

Verdier, Christopher (Department: 3745)

Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps

With shaft connected fluid force subjected thrust balancing...

In separate chamber having non-system fluid inlet

C415S107000, C415S111000, C415S112000, C415S113000, C415S115000, C415S175000, C415S180000, C415S202000, C384S100000, C384S121000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06179554

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to low friction fluid bearings, and more particularly to turbines using low friction fluid bearings.
BACKGROUND ART
A variety of rotational devices are dependent upon load supporting bearings for operation. Because traditional bearings include components such as ball bearings, that are almost constantly in motion during device operation, heat caused by friction can build very quickly within the bearing. In addition, the bearing surfaces wear over time, which can further increase heat generation and friction losses. Eventually, almost all bearings fail due to excessive wear and the detrimental effects of heat on the components and lubricants. Because it is desirable to operate most rotational devices at or near their highest rpm level in order to optimize the amount of work produced, it should be appreciated that a bearing exposed to reduced amounts of friction would allow these devices to operate closer to their optimum levels while reducing the likelihood of bearing failure.
In one specific example, turbine engines necessarily include rotating elements that are interconnected to stationary elements via bearings. Because the turbine and bearings are often subjected to relatively high rotation rates and high temperatures, various components must often be constructed from exotic materials, such as ceramics and/or expensive temperature resistant metallic alloys. Because engine efficiency generally increases with both speed and temperature, engineers are constantly seeking ways to operate turbines even faster and at higher temperatures. However, the limitations of available materials place constraints in this area. One response to these constraints have been efforts to introduce cooling circuits into a turbine so that it can be operated at higher temperatures and/or utilize less exotic metallic alloys. However, in order to introduce a cooling fluid circuit into the turbine, there must necessarily be fluid seals that often have a great deal of difficulty withstanding the relatively hot hostile environment within a turbine. Thus, there remain significant problems to overcome in efforts to improve turbine engine efficiency without necessarily seeking ever more exotic and expensive materials.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A low friction bearing comprises a first element having a first surface. A second element having a second surface is rotatable about a centerline relative to the first element. A flow passage extends radially outward between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a fluid flow. The two surfaces are complementary and positioned in close proximity.
In one application of the present invention, a turbine comprises a first component that includes a first surface out of contact and adjacent a second component including a second surface. The second component has a plurality of blades and is rotatable about a centerline relative to the first component. A flow passage extends radially outward between the first component and the second component. The first surface and the second surface are complementary and in close proximity. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a fluid flowing in the flow path and a source of fluid is connected to one end of the flow path.
In another application of the present invention, each of the plurality of blades in the turbine described above is hollow and includes a cooling passage. One end of each cooling passage is fluidly connected to the source of fluid.


REFERENCES:
patent: 907843 (1908-12-01), Miller
patent: 2622859 (1952-12-01), Gettins
patent: 2868500 (1959-01-01), Boulet
patent: 2920865 (1960-01-01), Lombard
patent: 3183384 (1965-05-01), Flaherty, Jr. et al.
patent: 3322473 (1967-05-01), Lebach
patent: 3377113 (1968-04-01), Wilson
patent: 3841786 (1974-10-01), Florjancic
patent: 4218177 (1980-08-01), Robel
patent: 4224008 (1980-09-01), Haentjens
patent: 4426118 (1984-01-01), Mohsin
patent: 4452566 (1984-06-01), Kardas
patent: 4486105 (1984-12-01), Miyake et al.
patent: 4697933 (1987-10-01), Morita
patent: 5073036 (1991-12-01), Sutton et al.
patent: 5286113 (1994-02-01), Post
patent: 5295330 (1994-03-01), Hoffman
patent: 5427499 (1995-06-01), Kirby
patent: 5743655 (1998-04-01), Slavin et al.
patent: 803551 (1951-04-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Low friction fluid bearing and turbine using same does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Low friction fluid bearing and turbine using same, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Low friction fluid bearing and turbine using same will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2479057