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The dynamic behavior and stability of the water-lubricated hybrid journal bearing under dynamic load in the single-screw steam compressor.

Author(s) : WANG Q., ZHANG P., SUN Y., MIAO Y., WU W.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Driven by the demands for energy conservation and emission reduction, steam heat pump systems and steam compression recovery technologies are undergoing rapid development. The water-lubricated single-screw steam compressor (WL-SSSC) is an ideal choice for a steam compression cycle system. However, traditional designs using grease-lubricated bearings and mechanical seals face reliability issues under medium/high-pressure steam and risk of oil leakage. The water-lubricated hybrid journal bearing (WL-HJB) presents a potential solution by enabling seal-free operation, but at low speeds, hydrodynamic lubrication weakens, and steam compression imposes high and dynamic loads. It is necessary to clarify the ability of the WL-HJB, especially the dynamic behavior and stability. In this paper, a numerical model is developed to investigate the dynamic behavior and stability of the WL-HJB. Subsequently, the dynamic behaviors of the lubrication performance are analyzed. The journal orbit is evaluated across varying operational and structural parameters. The results show that the WLHJB controller reliably withstands dynamic gas loads through self-adaptive pressure regulation. Additionally, the journal orbit maintains a stable elliptical shape, with eccentricity minimized by either reducing the discharge pressure or increasing the water-supply pressure. Furthermore, the stability of the journal orbit is enhanced with higher n, ps, and α. The optimal design region for minimizing journal eccentricity is identified at a h0 of 18–20 μm, a dc of 0.8–1.0 mm, and a ps of 0.7–0.8 MPa.

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Details

  • Original title: The dynamic behavior and stability of the water-lubricated hybrid journal bearing under dynamic load in the single-screw steam compressor.
  • Record ID : 30034915
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 186
  • Publication date: 2026/06
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.106908

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