摘要: |
The objective of this project is to optimize shaft bearing selection and integration into thrusters for: reliability, power-density, predictability, energy efficiency. In an environment as close as possible to the actual thruster and lubricant operating conditions. The bearing performance is highly dependent on the lubricant performance. The lubricant is also a good vector of bearing conditions. Therefore, not only the choice of lubricant and the way it is delivered but also the way it is maintained are of significant importance to ensure a reliable, predictable and efficient operation of the bearings. For this purpose, the following tasks will be performed in a systematic analysis in order to study their interaction and generate one or more preferred solution paths in new thruster configurations yet to be designed and tested: bearings operation and performance baseline, assessment of bearing performance with new lubricants, assessment of bearings performance under improved lubrication systems (i.e. objective to minimize oil volume and usage), optimized bearing design and integration to thruster. |