Temperature control of turbine bearings: the key to ensuring high-speed rotation stability

In the field of turbomachinery, the stable operation of turbine bearings is the cornerstone to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the entire system. In the environment of high-speed rotation, the stability of turbine bearings is even more severely challenged. Among the many influencing factors, temperature control is undoubtedly a crucial link.

1. The influence of temperature on the stability of turbine bearings

Under the condition of high-speed rotation, a large amount of heat will be generated inside the turbine bearing. This heat mainly comes from the friction of the bearing material, the stirring of the lubricating oil, and the heat conduction of the external environment. If the temperature is not properly controlled, the temperature inside the bearing will rise rapidly, leading to a series of problems.

High temperature will cause the performance of the bearing material to deteriorate. Bearing materials may soften, expand or change phases at high temperatures, which will directly affect the geometric accuracy and mechanical properties of the bearing, thereby reducing its load-bearing capacity and stability.

High temperature will also affect the performance of the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil may oxidize, decompose or evaporate at high temperatures, resulting in lubrication failure. Lubrication failure will increase the friction and wear inside the bearing, further aggravate the temperature rise, and form a vicious circle.

High temperature may also cause thermal stress and thermal deformation inside the bearing. These thermal stresses and thermal deformations will destroy the balance state of the bearing, leading to increased vibration and noise, seriously affecting the stability and service life of the bearing.

2. Effective temperature control system

In order to ensure the stability of the turbine bearing under high-speed rotation, effective temperature control measures must be taken. This usually includes the following aspects:

Cooling device: Install cooling devices such as fans, liquid cooling systems, etc. around the turbine bearing to reduce the temperature of the bearing by forced convection or heat conduction.

Temperature sensor: Install temperature sensors inside or around the bearing to monitor the temperature changes of the bearing in real time. When the temperature exceeds the set value, the cooling device is automatically started to cool down.

Lubrication system optimization: Select lubricating oil and lubrication methods with excellent high-temperature performance to ensure that good lubrication effect can be maintained at high temperatures. At the same time, regularly check the performance and replacement cycle of the lubricating oil to ensure the normal operation of the lubrication system.

Bearing design optimization: Consider the influence of temperature in the bearing design process, and improve the high-temperature resistance of the bearing by optimizing the structure, material selection, etc.

Temperature control is the key to ensuring the stability of the turbine bearing under high-speed rotation. By taking effective temperature control measures, the temperature inside the bearing can be reduced, its load-bearing capacity and stability can be improved, thereby extending the service life of the bearing and improving the operating efficiency of the entire system.