Characteristics of asymmetric curls of a halbach hydroturbine main shaft magnetofluid sealing device under random rotational speed work conditions

The operational rotational speeds of hydroturbines change arbitrarily within a small range, and the friction power consumption caused by the asymmetric curl represents a technical difficulty in magnetofluid sealing. In this study, the pressure-withstanding value and equations for the asymmetric curl of a magnetofluid sealing device under different rotational speeds were deduced. By considering the magnetofluid sealing device characteristics with Halbach magnetic arrays, temperature fields under a static field and low rotational speed were calculated for determining the Halbach magnetofluid sealing device with the best sealing performance. Comparisons and analyses were performed with the friction power consumption and sealing pressure-withstanding value of the selected structure under high (3000 r/min), medium (1500 r/min), and low (300 r/min) rotational speeds and alternating work conditions of ±3, ±6, and ±9. The results indicated that changes in magnetic moment caused by changes in the external magnetic field are the primary cause of friction power consumption. Heat generation occurs concurrently with the friction power consumption. Consequently, the pressure-withstanding value of the magnetofluid sealing is reduced; the friction power consumption of the magnetofluid is directly proportional to the magnetic field strength, rotational speed, and alternating amplitude. Unstable states and asymmetry of the external magnetic field lead to nonlinear increments in the friction power consumption of the magnetofluid. A stable and symmetrical magnetic effect, with a smaller rotational speed and alternating amplitude leads to lower friction power consumption, resulting in a more ideal sealing effect.