Coupled Extensional-Torsional Vibration Frequency of Hoisting Rope in Tower-Type Friction Drive Hoist System
In order to avoid resonance, and to enhance safety of hoisting system and monitoring reliability, an impact mechanical model of mine hoisting rope for friction drive hoist system was built. According to Hamilton principle and considering the effect of oriented pulley and hoisting rope string, coupled extensional-torsional and extensional only mathematical models of hoisting rope were deduced. Mode shape and transcendental equation of angular frequency were obtained based on the hypothesis that the wave of vibration propagated with sine shape. With numerical calculation, results show that the frequency considering the effect of oriented pulley and hoisting rope string was slightly lower comparing with the frequency ignoring the effect at the bottom of shaft, but much different at the mouth; and there is significant difference between coupled frequency and extensional vibration only. Thereby, to make the design and monitoring of mine hoisting much more reliably, it is suggested that the extensional-torsional coupled vibration of hoisting rope, oriented pulley and hoisting rope string should be considered.
Research on Static Tension Ratio Characteristic of Double-Vessel Friction Hoist System Components
Double-vessel multi-rope friction hoist system, of which the lifting, starting, running, and braking must meet the safety conditions in operation. Non-skid safety boundary conditions were originally determined by Euler’s formula. In order to avoid the complex task of check and check-again calculation in the friction hoist system design. In this research, static tension ratio c, which was closely bonded with anti-skid design was directly brought into the analysis and research on the system. As a result, characteristic of static tension ratio c of component quality of friction hoist system was found, which offers a simple, sound and reliable theoretical foundation for the anti-skid and optimization of system configuration.
Ocean thermal energy conversion: The promise of a clean future
Due to the world's heavy dependence on fossil fuels for electricity, pollution and global warming is on the rise. However, numerous countries are still relying on diesel generators as their main source of energy. There is a lack of practical alternative energy source that can meet the global energy demand without posing any threat to the natural environment. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a concept that has the potential to address this growing issue. It is basically a mechanism that exploits the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep ocean water, to produce electricity. Although OTEC has a low energy density, the thermal energy in the ocean is vastly abundant. OTEC development has been dormant for a long time since it was first proposed in 1881. However, it has now regained recognition worldwide as a realistic solution to our world energy issue. Instead of having a great potential for power generation, it also carries the ability to produce high value products from the large volume of Deep Sea Water (DSW) that can be released as byproducts of OTEC plant operation. These products can hold a very profitable place in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and mineral water production. Further research on ocean current and DSW properties can someday lead to the commercial used of OTEC. This paper is a review of the basic concept, present status and future prospects of OTEC around the world.