A rotary machine, including: a rotor (2) extending in an axial direction, the rotor including a first thrust collar (35) and a second thrust collar (36) projecting radially outward; a first thrust bearing device (31) configured to receive load acting in the axial direction via the first thrust collar (35); a second thrust bearing device (32) configured to receive load acting in the axial direction via the second thrust collar (36); and a load control device (16) configured to control load acting on at least one of the first thrust bearing device (31) and the second thrust bearing device (32).

The turbomachine comprises a casing (26), there being arranged in the casing an impeller (23) arranged on a driven shaft. The turbomachine has an inflow region (21) and an outflow region (22) and, in operation, is flowed through by a working medium. The working medium flows into the inflow region, along a front side (23a) formed on the impeller and subsequently out of the outflow region, there being a pressure drop at the front side between the inflow region and the outflow region. A pressure divider (9) is arranged on the rear side of the impeller, opposite the front side.

The turbomachine comprises a casing (26), there being arranged in the casing an impeller (23) arranged on a driven shaft. The turbomachine has an inflow region (21) and an outflow region (22) and, in operation, is flowed through by a working medium. The working medium flows into the inflow region, along a front side (23a) formed on the impeller and subsequently out of the outflow region, there being a pressure drop at the front side between the inflow region and the outflow region. A pressure divider (9) is arranged on the rear side of the impeller, opposite the front side.

A turbomachine having a fan shaft supported by a first bearing positioned downstream of the fan, the first bearing including an outer ring attached to an annular support secured to the stator. The turbomachine includes at least one gas feed duct leading into an enclosure positioned against the disc, the gas feed duct being adapted to be fed at a second end with pressurized gas taken from an airstream of a high-pressure compressor of the turbomachine, so that the gas applies an axial force towards upstream on the disc during some operating phases of the turbomachine. The turbomachine further includes a ferrule imperviously sealing the enclosure.

Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide a heat engine system, a turbopump system, and methods for lubricating a turbopump while generating energy. The systems and methods provide proper lubrication and cooling to turbomachinery components by controlling pressures applied to a thrust bearing in the turbopump. The applied pressure on the thrust bearing may be controlled by a turbopump back-pressure regulator valve adjusted to maintain proper pressures within bearing pockets disposed on two opposing surfaces of the thrust bearing. Pocket pressure ratios, such as a turbine-side pocket pressure ratio (P1) and a pump-side pocket pressure ratio (P2), may be monitored and adjusted by a process control system. In order to prevent damage to the thrust bearing, the systems and methods may utilize advanced control theory of sliding mode, the multi-variables of the pocket pressure ratios P1 and P2, and regulating the bearing fluid to maintain a supercritical state.

A steam turbine includes: a rotor; a casing; a thrust bearing; a steam inlet; a first pipe; a first regulation valve; a second pipe; a second regulation valve; and a control device. The control device estimates an exhaust flow rate of the steam turbine based on an operating point map which derives the exhaust flow rate of the steam turbine from an operating point of the steam turbine and estimates the thrust force applied to the thrust bearing based on the exhaust flow rate.

A steam turbine includes: a rotor; a casing; a thrust bearing; a steam inlet; a first pipe; a first regulation valve; a second pipe; a second regulation valve; and a control device. The control device estimates an exhaust flow rate of the steam turbine based on an operating point map which derives the exhaust flow rate of the steam turbine from an operating point of the steam turbine and estimates the thrust force applied to the thrust bearing based on the exhaust flow rate.

A thrust balancing mechanism for balancing axial loads on a rotor thrust bearing 3 is described. The mechanism comprises a piston arrangement 6 axially mounted on a stationary structure 2, about a center axis arranged, in use, in coaxial alignment with a rotating shaft 1 carrying the rotor thrust bearing 3. A hydrodynamic thrust bearing 8 is mounted, in use, between the piston 6 and the rotor thrust bearing 3. The piston 6 is pressurized so as to impart to the rotor thrust bearing 3, via the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 8, an axial load which counters an axial load imparted to the rotor thrust bearing 3 by the rotating shaft 1.

A thrust balancing mechanism for balancing axial loads on a rotor thrust bearing 3 is described. The mechanism comprises a piston arrangement 6 axially mounted on a stationary structure 2, about a center axis arranged, in use, in coaxial alignment with a rotating shaft 1 carrying the rotor thrust bearing 3. A hydrodynamic thrust bearing 8 is mounted, in use, between the piston 6 and the rotor thrust bearing 3. The piston 6 is pressurized so as to impart to the rotor thrust bearing 3, via the hydrodynamic thrust bearing 8, an axial load which counters an axial load imparted to the rotor thrust bearing 3 by the rotating shaft 1.

A technique facilitates movement of fluids while reducing axial loading on system components such as thrust bearings. The technique utilizes a system, e.g. a compressor, for moving fluid via counter rotating rotors. By way of example, the rotors may utilize impellers for establishing opposed fluid flows along fluid movement sections. The fluid movement sections may be arranged in a back-to-back configuration such that counter rotation of the rotors causes the impellers to move fluid flows in opposed directions, thus reducing axial loading. The opposed fluid flows ultimately are redirected to an outlet.