Pressure distribution study in cone slot gap drives of electric power systems

Abstract

The distribution of pressure in the conical slotted gaps of drives of electric power systems has been studied. A general expression is found to determine the pattern of pressure change along the flow of a viscous fluid in the gaps of non-contact seals, and special cases are also considered. For a narrowing gap, the maximum pressure will be in the section with the smallest gap. In this case, the plunger will tend to take a coaxial position. In the expanding gap, the maximum pressure will be in the section with a larger gap, so the plunger will be pressed against the wall of the sleeve by the forces of unbalanced pressure. With an eccentric location of the plunger in the sleeve, the pressure in the gap will change. Moreover, the uneven distribution of pressure increases as the eccentricity increases. With a larger taper of the slotted channel and with a constant inlet gap, the nature of the pressure change along the slot differs significantly from the linear one. If the flow and the plunger move in the direction of the increasing gap (expanding gap), then the plunger is pressed against the wall of the sleeve by the forces of unbalanced pressure. In this case, the contact surface of the plunger pair is destroyed, which leads to scuffing and failure of the units.