Efficient system for pumping low-density liquids
US12313074B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2024 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K21/24
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method of pumping low-density liquids, such as liquid hydrogen (LH2), includes a plurality of integrated motor/pump modules (IMPs) interconnected in series, each having a single IMP impeller. A controller separately adjusts the speeds of the IMP impellers such that a specified head of the pumping system is achieved, while a critical NPSH_c of each IMP remains below its NPSH_A. The IMPs can be identical, and the controller can cause all of the impellers to rotate at the same speed, except for any that require a speed reduction to ensure that its NPSH_c remains below its NPSH_A. The IMPs can comprise induction coils or permanent magnets attached to the impellers that pass in proximate radial or axial alignment with stator coils. The IMPs can be controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs). A cooling system can transfer heat from within the IMP to an external heat destination.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.