Project Details

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Reducing the Weight for a Single-Lift Baseplate for a Large Compressor String

Company: Ebara Elliott Energy

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: IE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Capstone Project Summary: Reducing the Weight for a Single-Lift Baseplate for a Large Compressor String Project Overview: The primary goal of this capstone project is to review and optimize a baseplate design for a single-lift application that reduces the weight from Elliott's current, standard design processes. In our industry, it is critical to deliver equipment that is as small and light as possible, while maintaining the required strength and stiffness characteristics required for lifting and operating the equipment that will be mounted upon the baseplate. Key Design Goals: · Weight Reduction Target: Achieve a minimum 20% reduction in overall system weight compared to the baseline model that EEE will provide (The 20% reduction target is under review and may be refined). · Torsional Performance: Conduct and refine torsional analysis to ensure structural integrity and avoid resonance with natural frequencies. · Design Integration Requirements: o Elliott will provide the design requirements, including the equipment that will be mounted to the baseplate, general locations, weights and dynamic forces of each piece of equipment. o Elliott can provide CAD models of the equipment being mounted to the baseplate, as well as examples of our current design and design guidelines o The students are encouraged to think outside of the box and consider designs that do not fit within current Elliott standard practices (ex. use torque tubes in lieu of typical I-beam or box beams) Elliott Recommended Objective / Milestones (to be discussed / confirmed): 1. CAD Modeling: o Developed a detailed 3D model of the baseplate assembly, considering geometric constraints to comply with industry standards, material properties, and load paths. 2. Finite Element Analysis (FEA): o Perform stress and deformation analysis on critical interfaces (e.g., baseplate and tube / beam junctions). o Iterative design improvements based on simulation results to enhance safety factors and reduce stress concentrations. 3. Research Integration: o Review and apply findings from relevant literature on torque transmission, material fatigue, and lift system dynamics. o Ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices. Elliott Recommended Process Steps: · Specify Estimated Weights and Dimensions: Establish baseline metrics and update the model with refined mass properties. · Advanced Torsional Analysis: Use modal and harmonic analysis to identify and mitigate risks related to natural frequencies. · Design for Manufacturability: Evaluate the feasibility of producing the concept using commercially available components (e.g., beams, torque tubes) and standard manufacturing processes. · Documentation & Comparison: Maintain clear documentation and compare design iterations against the reference model to track improvements. This project offers a strong foundation in mechanical design, simulation, and prototyping. It’s an excellent opportunity to apply advanced engineering principles to a real world challenge while contributing to safer and more efficient lift systems.