Flexible Couplings Design Management System for Generating Plants

This study has provided a computer programming method of solving the problem of quick design and selection of tyre flexible couplings applied in power generating plants. First, a theoretical design model was developed for tyre flexible couplings by relating transmission power of the couplings to the power ratings and the service factor of generating plant. On this basis, standard coupling sizes, and dimensions were selected at varying speeds, 1000, 2000 and 3000 rpm, from which the best choice of waste tyre coupling was made. Computer software package was developed using python language for robust and quick selection of the best coupling sign for a given power ratings of the generating plant. A case study results showed that for over 16 hours of running the generating plant, the selected service factor (1.5), engine speed (1000 rpm), coupling size (F 60), bore diameters (42-48 mm) and power rating (11.10 kW) performed satisfactorily. Couplings selection results of the five cases obtained from the computer package were consistent with the ones obtained manually. Computer package performed better with time saving of more than 99%. Therefore the system is capable of selecting the best tyre flexible couplings for a given generating plant power operated within the stated (16) hours without recourse to manual design and flexible coupling standards.