New generation energy pumps

A method is presented for the design of high-speed centrifugal pumps in which external radial bearings are omitted and non-contact annular seals are employed as combined supporting and damping elements. In this configuration, the rotor vibration response is analyzed within a closed hydromechanical rotor–seal system. A converging sealing gap geometry is adopted, which increases the radial stiffness of the fluid film and enhances the centering capability of the seal–support assembly. The integration of convergent-gap seal-supports in centrifugal pump designs alters the rotor dynamic characteristics through concurrent improvements in hydrostatic stiffness and damping. The results indicate an increase in the first critical speed by a factor of four to five, accompanied by a reduction in oscillation amplitude across the entire operating speed range. The method enables parametric evaluation of seal geometry, including taper angle and radial clearance, and provides quantitative assessment of their effects on rotor stability. This approach facilitates the systematic parametric analysis of seal geometry for rotor stability in high-speed turbomachinery.