Study on the Dynamic Performance of the Helium Turboexpander for EAST Subsystems

An increase of the cooling capacities in the liquid helium temperature area is re- quired by Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak （EAST） due to the extension of its subsystems in the near future. Limited by the heat exchangers, cryogenic pipes, and cryogenic valves, it is difficult to enlarge the present EAST helium system. 102 W@4.5 K level helium cryogenic systems are needed in view of feasibility and economy. A turboexpander is the key com- ponent of a helium cryogenic system. In this article, a hydrostatic gas lubricated cryogenic helium turboexpander for a 900 W@4.5 K cryogenic helium system was developed for the EAST updated subsystem by the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Cryogenic and Refrigeration of Xi＇an Jiaotong University. The main components, such as gas bearings, expansion wheel, shaft, and brake wheel, were briefly presented. The dynamic perfor- mance of the journal and thrust gas bearings was investigated numerically. The rotordynamic performance of the developed turboexpander was studied experimentally. The results show that the axial and radial load capacities supplied by the journal gas bearing and thrust gas bearing are enough to balance the axial force and radial force of the rotor. A 43% overspeed operation was achieved, which validated the reasonable design of the turboexpander.

Calculation of the Critical Speed and Stability Analysis of Cryogenic Turboexpanders with Different Structures

A modularized code based on the Finite Element QZ （FEQZ） method is developed, for a better estimate of the critical speed and a more convenient method of rotor-dynamic stability analysis for a gas bearing high speed turboexpander rotor system with actual structure and application of a cryogenic turboexpander. This code is then validated by the experimental data of a gas bearing turboexpander, with a rotor diameter of 25 mm and a rated speed of 106,400 rpm. With this code, four rotors with different structures, available to the turboexpander, are parametrically analyzed by the available speed range, vibration modes and logarithmic attenuation rate. The results suggest that the rotor with a structure of two thrust collars on the system exhibits a better performance in the designed conditions.

ON THE AXIAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE ANALYSISOF THE SECTOR-SHAPED HYDRODYNAMIC THRUSTBEARING-ROTOR SYSTEM IN A TURBOEXPANDER

A model for the non-linear axial vibrations of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing-rotor system in a turboexpander is described. The axial transient process of the system is investigated. The time-dependent form ofthe Reynolds equation is solved by a finite difference method with successive overrelaxation scheme to obtain the hydrodynamic forces of the sector-shaped thrust bearing (SSTB). Using these forces, the equation of motion is solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and the Adams method to predict the transient behaviour of the thrust bearing-rotor system (TBRS).Also,the linearized stiffness and damping coefficients of the oil film hydrodynamic SSTB are calculated.The analyses of the axial transient response of the system under both linear and non-linear conditions are performed. The non-linearity of oil film forces can significantly contribute to the axial transient response. Conclusions obtained can be applied for evaluation of the reliability of the TBRS.

Design and Numerical Investigation to Predict the FlowPattern of Non-axisymmetric Convergent Nozzle:AComponent of Turboexpander

Current work proposes a novel design methodology using curve-fitting approach for a non-axisymmetric airfoil convergent nozzle used in small-sized cryogenic turboexpander.The curves used for designing the nozzle are based on a combination of fifth and third order curve at upper and lower surface respectively.Four different turbulence model such as k-ε,SST,BSL and SSG Reynolds stress turbulence model is used to visualize and compare the fluid flow characteristics and thermal behaviors at various cross-sections.It is interesting to observe that the Mach number obtained at the outlet of the nozzle is highest and temperature drop is maximum for SSG model under similar boundary conditions.It is also observed that the designed nozzle with curve fitting approach is appropriate for impulse type turbine with a small amount of reaction.The key feature of this implementation is to obtain subsonic velocity at the nozzle exit and reduce the irreversible losses through the nozzle,which can affect the performance of a turboexpander.