Verdrängermaschinen für Klarwasser (Displacement Machines for Tap Water)

The main goal of this research project is the optimization of the design of tribological systems used in displacement machines, especially axial and radial piston machines for the use of tap water.Tap water as a pressure medium in hydraulic systems implicates several problems according to the physical characteristics of water e. g. the low viscosity, the high vapor pressure, the high freezing temperature etc. In the consequence hydraulic systems driven by water have got a higher risk of friction and cavitation that leads to abrasion and erosion and accelerates corrosion and the breakdown of the system. Beside this the high volumetric losses due to the low viscosity of water decrease the efficiency of the pump.Hence the destination of this project is to investigate the design measures for the single tribological systems. Especially the bearings that perform not only the functions of bearing a load but also sealing the pressure medium are difficult to design for the use of tap water as a pressure medium. The simulation tool CASPAR is going to be used to give information about the effects on the hydrodynamic pressure by changing the macroscopic design of the bearing gaps in a feasible frame for manufacturing.To verify the results in an experiment, a single-piston-cylinder test rig is going to be designed and manufactured.