John S Nemeth

US Patent:

8356821, Jan 22, 2013

Filed:

May 23, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/125984

Inventors:

David M. Freal - Orlando FL, US
Joseph M. Emery - Orlando FL, US
John M. Nemeth - Orlando FL, US

Assignee:

Siemens Energy, Inc. - Orlando FL

International Classification:

F16J 15/16

US Classification:

277581, 277578

Abstract:

A seal assembly forming a seal with a rotatable shaft of a hydrogen-cooled generator is provided. The seal assembly includes a ring assembly disposed about the rotatable shaft. The ring assembly includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A hydrogen side ring is coupled to a generator frame of the generator. An insulating structure is positioned between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame to provide electrical insulation between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame. An air side ring is disposed adjacent to the hydrogen side ring and the seal structure is coupled to the air side ring. Structure for supplying oil to the ring assembly is provided, such that the oil flows through the ring assembly to an interface between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure so as to substantially limit direct contact between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure.