Development of an Advanced Oil Deflector Used in Thermoelectric Power Plant

Oil deflector prevents oil leakage that occurs in thermoelectric power plant at operating lubricant facilities. Vibration of rotating rotor-induced wear of aluminum tooth in existing oil deflector leads to oil leakage as well as life shortening of the tooth. In this study, an advanced oil deflector was developed for shock absorption and prevention of wear by decreasing clearance (from 0.5 mm to 0.2 mm) between rotor and tooth to minimize oil leakage, and by replacing 2 aluminum teeth in outmost of the oil deflector with hi-performance seal made of engineering plastic. The CFD results were compared between advanced vs. existing oil deflector to determine the amount of oil loss. Structural safety was verified through impact analyses according to the three kinds of engineering plastics, considering cost efficiency, and optimal material of hi-performance seal was chosen.