Thrust Bearing Prototype P1

prototype

The achieved result includes a verified prototype of a thrust bearing (P1) with verified functional parameters. P1 is an innovative double-sided hydrodynamic thrust bearing for use in turbochargers operating on engines with highly variable exhaust pressures. The innovativeness of the bearing is ensured by a combination of specific design fetures functionally optimized for the preferred operating conditions. P1 increases the specific bearing capacity by 18% while significantly reducing the mechanical losses of the lubrication system by approx. 31% and with a 4% reduction in lubricant flow of the entire turbocharger lubrication system. Mechanical losses of the lubrication system include losses of thrust bearings, radial bearings and losses due to rotation of the rotor shaft in the lubricant. Since no modifications other than the thrust bearing have been made to the turbocharger, it is clear that the losses of the thrust bearing itself have been reduced even more significantly than the mechanical losses of the entire lubrication system. Mechanical losses and lubricant flows were determined by a technical experiment under operating conditions corresponding to the full load of the internal combustion engine at elevated oil temperatures at the turbocharger inlet. P1 also presents significantly improved performance under all operating conditions, including transient operating conditions, all while maintaining adequate operational reliability. The P1 bearing has been tested in design and off-design operating conditions and the functionality of the P1 bearing is thus verified.

28.02.2021

PBS Turbo s.r.o. Vlkovská 279 595 01 Velká Bíteš Česká republika

http://www.vutbr.cz