One-way thermomagnetic simulation of magnetic coupling in natural gas pressure energy utilization

Abstract

ABSTRACT Magnetic coupling is an approach employed to prevent gas leakage by transforming the dynamic seal into a non-contact static seal for the recovery of natural gas pressure energy. The impact of thermal demagnetization necessitates the consideration of the heat dissipation characteristics resulting from eddy current losses in the rotating magnetic field. We performed a numerical study of thermal-magnetic coupling in a magnetic transmission validated by experimental results. The Maxwell software was utilized to simulate the distribution characteristics of induced current, while the Fluent software was employed to analyze the dissipation of heat caused by eddy currents. The obtained simulation results reveal a proportional increase in induced current and eddy current losses with the rotation speed. Also, the eddy current losses increase together with the thickness of the isolation cover, since more volume of the conducting media is affected by the eddy currents. Furthermore, reducing the electrical conductivities of the isolation cover and enhancing the internal flow rates can effectively decrease the temperature of the magnetic coupling and mitigate thermal demagnetization. These research findings offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of non-contact transmission methods, ultimately enhancing the safety of natural gas top-pressure energy recovery equipment.