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Title: Low-power-loss bearings for electric utilities. Volume 2. Conceptual design and optimization of high-stability journal bearings. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5571556

This is the second of a three volume final report on EPRI Research Project RP1648-1, ''Low Power Loss Bearings for Electric Utilities.'' The objective of the research was to perform an analytical study into the potential for reducing bearing losses through optimization of both journal and thrust bearings. A preliminary economic study indicated that a reduction in bearing losses by 50% for a 500 MWe unit would result in a fuel savings of approximately $130,000/yr for coal fired and $330,000/yr for oil fired, in 1981 dollars. The second volume presents the conceptual design and optimization of high stability journal bearings. This volume treats designs which, unlike the circular designs, will remain stable over the entire range of eccentricities and which will retain their operational capabilities under both zero and rotating loads. Optimization studies in which preload, pad angle and mode of loading were varied in order to obtain the lowest (HP/load) ratios resulted in the formulation of optimized tilting-pad and 3-lobe designs. 4 refs., 32 figs., 31 tabs.

Research Organization:
Mechanical Technology, Inc., Latham, NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
5571556
Report Number(s):
EPRI-CS-4048-Vol.2; ON: TI85920707
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English