Feasibility Analysis of Adopting the Hydrogen Hydrostatic Thrust Bearing

Abstract

The hydrogen hydrostatic thrust bearing (HHTB) is a key component of hydrogen liquefaction that impacts turbo-expander characteristics. To analyze the feasibility of using the HHTB in this application, characteristics of HHTBs were calculated using a CFD model. To upgrade the performance of the HHTB, the impacts of bearing structure and operating parameters on static performance were investigated. Dynamic characteristics of the HHTB were studied using the dynamic grid method. It was found that the load capacity of the HHTB is less than that of helium-lubricated bearings but higher than that of air- and methane-lubricated bearings. The turbulent kinetic energy of hydrogen is higher than that of other gases. Load capacity can be enhanced through boosting supplied pressure, expanding the diameter of supply orifices, reducing gas film clearance, increasing the orifices quantity and setting a circumferential groove. A reduction in disturbance amplitude slightly increased the bearing’s dynamic stiffness. The dynamic stability of the HHTB was improved by a small film clearance in response to disturbance.