Uniform coating of surfaces

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for coating a surface (110B) of a structure (110), the method comprising the steps of: placing the structure (110) in a chamber, at least one ejector (104) being located in the chamber and facing the surface (110B) of the structure to be coated; the cavity is sealed; forming a vacuum in the chamber; steam is then injected through the at least one injector (104) towards the surface while causing relative movement, such as rotation, between the structure and the at least one injector.

Description

[0001] This application is based on European Patent Application No. 22305449 filed on April 4, 2022, entitled “UNIFORM COATING OF A SURFACE” and European Patent Application No. 22305437 filed on April 4, 2022, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUPERCONDUCTING COILS AND DEVICE”, and claims the priority benefits of the above applications, which are incorporated into this application by reference to the maximum extent permitted by law. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to uniform coating of surfaces. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to coating surfaces by using steam. The surface can be the inner or outer surface of a structure (e.g., a cylinder in a broad sense), i.e., a surface in space composed of parallel straight lines (generatrix). Background Art

[0003] Technologies that push the boundaries of current science must be employed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Energy generation using nuclear fusion energy, medical procedures such as MRI machines, and transportation systems such as maglev trains all have in common that they require strong magnetic fields in a specific configuration to work properly. Therefore, the world of the future requires methods, devices, and mechanisms that can generate strong magnetic fields and meet the growing needs of industry.

[0004] The latest developments in magnetic fields make use of high temperature superconductors, HTS. HTS are materials that exhibit superconducting properties at temperatures generally above 77K (the boiling point of nitrogen). HTS materials exhibit zero electrical resistance in a superconducting environment, which is usually a matter of being at the right temperature. Since the electrical resistance is zero, electric current can flow freely and at high intensity through these superconducting materials. Ultimately, this makes it possible to generate magnetic fields of high intensity and with the specific properties required for this application.

[0005] Currently, magnetic devices are constructed with large magnets formed into the shape of coils; the magnets can be permanent or electromagnets, depending on cost or application. In applications where the magnetic field requires special construction, such as in stellarators, the coils must be twisted into complex shapes during construction. This significantly increases costs in the design phase; stellarator designs are very complex and require a lot of testing, so constructing many magnet coils takes a lot of time and money.

[0006] Reference to the construction of superconducting coils is U.S. Pat. No. 9,812,233 to Sazaki et al., which describes the current state of the art in the construction of films (also called tapes) of superconducting material. The current state of the art contemplates the production of tapes that are stacked to form a cable-like structure. This cable-like structure is then shaped as required by the application. It can be cut to shape, twisted, stacked, or otherwise processed.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,655,423 to Miyazaki et al. describes a method for constructing a superconducting coil. Miyazaki describes a superconducting coil formed from multiple layers of different materials. One group of these layers is described as constituting a superconducting coil portion, which is formed from a thin film superconducting wire. The coil described by Miyazaki and the coils commonly found in the art are constructed by arranging a superconducting film (also called a superconducting tape) into a wire shape and then further configuring the wire into a coil shape. Based on a review of the prior art, a superconducting coil is formed by stacking superconducting films or superconducting layers so that current can flow in a desired direction and produce an appropriate magnetic field configuration.

[0008] To the best of the inventors' knowledge and understanding, the prior art does not teach any other method by which superconducting films or tapes may be used to conduct electrical current.

[0009] The tape itself can be constructed by several methods described in the art. A method for making high quality superconducting tape is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,935,799 to Majkic et al. Majkic's method is limited to applications requiring very thin tape structures. Less obvious from Majkic's description is how the process can overcome limitations such as different tape geometries. The method described in this prior art is limited to rectangles of appropriate size.

[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,033 to Youm et al., an apparatus and method for forming a film on a tape substrate is disclosed. This apparatus further illustrates the limitations of current methods in the prior art. A thin film of superconducting material is deposited on a roller, which unwinds the tape substrate to form the tape. This method does not allow for shapes other than rectangular tape. In addition, if the tape is left on the roller for too long, the entire tape may be damaged.

[0011] Superconducting tapes themselves are in short supply, as they are in high demand. The size and shape of the tapes is also problematic, as they can only be constructed a few centimeters wide. Furthermore, the process of arranging the tapes into wires and further into coils is lengthy and prone to error.

[0012] Therefore, there remains a need for an efficient and less expensive alternative to coils used in magnetic applications. In addition, there is a need for a method or apparatus that enables the construction of superconducting coils that can be easily interchanged so that configuration changes can be achieved quickly and at a low cost. The prior art has not yet overcome the limitations of producing superconducting tapes of any shape or size, and the shapes are currently limited to rectangular geometries. Summary of the invention

[0013] One embodiment addresses all or some of the disadvantages of known methods or apparatus for constructing superconducting coils.

[0014] One embodiment provides a method for coating a surface of a structure, the method comprising the steps of:

[0015] placing a structure in a chamber, with at least one sprayer located in the chamber and directed toward a surface of the structure to be coated;

[0016] closing the chamber;

[0017] forming a vacuum in the chamber; and then

[0018] Steam is injected toward the surface by the at least one injector, while causing relative movement, such as rotation, between the structure and the at least one injector.

[0019] In one embodiment, prior to the spraying step, a material such as a precursor is evaporated to form the vapor.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: heating the surface of the structure at a first temperature, preferably a high temperature, for example above 500°C.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, a buffer layer is located on the surface, the buffer layer being heated at the first temperature.

[0022] In one embodiment, the speed of said movement, such as the speed of rotation, is suitable for forming a laminar flow of said vapour in said chamber near said surface.

[0023] In one embodiment, causing relative movement between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises rotating the structure, such as primarily consisting in rotating the structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the steam is injected in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the structure and / or wherein the steam is injected in a direction oblique to the surface of the structure, for example substantially radial to the surface of the structure.

[0025] An embodiment provides a device for coating a surface of a structure, the device being suitable for implementing the method according to the embodiment, wherein the device comprises:

[0026] a chamber suitable for receiving the structure;

[0027] at least one injector located within the chamber and directed toward a surface of the structure to be coated, the injector being adapted to inject steam toward the surface; and

[0028] Movement means are adapted to cause relative movement, such as rotation, between the structure and the at least one ejector.

[0029] In one embodiment, the device comprises a first support and / or a second support, which is accommodated in the chamber or forms at least a part of the chamber, and the first support and / or the second support are suitable for supporting the at least one injector, and the first support and / or the second support are, for example, cylinders.

[0030] In one embodiment, the surface to be coated is an outer surface of the structure, the apparatus comprises a first support adapted to receive the structure, and an injector of the at least one injector is located on an inner surface of the first support.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first support forms at least a part of the chamber, for example the first support comprises at least a base adapted to be closed to enclose the structure within the first support.

[0032] In one embodiment, the surface to be coated is an inner surface of the structure, the apparatus comprises a second support adapted to be placed within the structure, and an injector of the at least one injector is located on an outer surface of the second support.

[0033] In one embodiment, an opening of an injector of said at least one injector is aligned substantially parallel to a length direction of said surface of said structure.

[0034] In one embodiment, an opening of an injector of said at least one injector is substantially aligned with a circumference of said surface of said structure.

[0035] In one embodiment, the movement means is adapted to drive the structure in rotation. In other words, the relative movement between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises rotating the structure, such as mainly consists in rotating the structure.

[0036] In one embodiment, the movement means is adapted to retain the structure.

[0037] In one embodiment, the motion device comprises:

[0038] at least one roller, preferably a plurality of rollers, adapted to be coupled to another surface of the structure than the surface to be coated, such that rotation of the at least one roller causes rotation of the structure; and

[0039] At least one driving unit, such as a motor, is adapted to be coupled to the at least one rolling element to drive the at least one rolling element to rotate.

[0040] In one embodiment, the device comprises heating means adapted to heat the surface, such as a heating resistor, an ohmic heating coil or an inductive heating coil.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the heating means comprise a heating resistor which is connected to at least one rolling element.

[0042] In one embodiment, the structure is coated with different layers forming a stack of layers comprising at least a superconducting layer.

[0043] In one embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to coat the structure with different layers to form a stack of layers comprising at least a superconducting layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The above features and advantages as well as other features and advantages will be described in detail in the following description of specific embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for uniformly coating the outer surface of a cylinder.

[0046] Figure 2 is a general perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus suitable for uniformly coating the outer surface of a cylinder.

[0047] Figure 3 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for uniformly coating the interior surface of a cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the various drawings, the same features are indicated by the same reference numerals. In particular, common structural and / or functional features in various embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may have the same structural characteristics, dimensional characteristics, and material characteristics.

[0049] For clarity, only the operations and elements that are helpful for understanding the embodiments described herein are described and illustrated in detail.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements being connected together, this means a direct connection without any intermediate elements except conductors, and when referring to two elements being coupled together, this means the two elements may be connected together or they may be coupled via one or more other elements.

[0051] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise stated, when referring to absolute position qualifiers such as terms "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", or relative position qualifiers such as terms "above", "below", "high", "low", or orientation qualifiers such as "horizontal" and "vertical", they all refer to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Unless otherwise indicated, the expressions "about," "approximately," "substantially," and "approximately" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0053] The drawings are not drawn to scale. The drawings refer to embodiments of the present invention for uniform coating of surfaces, sometimes referred to simply as coating, where there is no ambiguity. Other embodiments are possible, as will be readily appreciated by a properly trained person. The actual size and / or shape of the components in the embodiments may vary. Only the important details of the embodiments are shown, but a person of ordinary skill in the art can understand how the entire device can be constructed without excessive experimentation. Some details are omitted from the drawings, but the inventors believe that adding these details is unnecessary for a full understanding of the features of the disclosed invention. These omitted details include elements for holding or fixing the device or its functional components, etc. For ease of understanding, certain features of the present embodiment are exaggerated. The disclosed embodiments and observed alternatives should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.

[0054] In the accompanying drawings, the surface to be coated is the inner surface or outer surface of a right circular cylinder. In other words, the structure is a right circular cylinder (first cylinder 110). Other shapes of structures having a surface to be coated may also be used. In other examples, the surface to be coated may be the inner surface or outer surface of a non-cylindrical and / or non-straight cylinder or any other suitable structure.

[0055] In order to uniformly coat the surface of the first column 110 , a chamber suitable for accommodating the first column is required.

[0056] Figure 1 An apparatus 100 is shown suitable for coating an outer surface 110B of a first cylinder 110. The apparatus comprises a second cylinder 102 (first support) having a diameter greater than the first cylinder 110, the first cylinder being located within the second cylinder during coating. The bases of the two cylinders may be aligned by their centers. For example, the two cylinders may be concentric.

[0057] The second cylinder 102 is hollow, so the second cylinder 102 has an inner surface 102A facing the first cylinder 110. An ejector (e.g., an ejection port or nozzle 104) is located on the inner surface 102A of the second cylinder 102 so that the ejector faces the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110. The nozzle 104 has an opening, an orifice, or a nozzle head 106 for ejecting material at a certain speed. The head 106 of the nozzle 104 is aligned parallel to the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110.

[0058] When referring to an injector, the injector may include an injection port or a nozzle, depending on the technology used. When referring to a nozzle tip, it also refers more generally to an opening or orifice in the injector.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the head 106 of the nozzle 104 is aligned with the length direction of the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110 and is oriented to spray steam generally radially.

[0060] Figure 2 Another embodiment of an apparatus 200 suitable for coating the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110 is shown. In this other embodiment, the nozzle 204 is also located on the inner surface 102A of the second cylinder 102, but the head 206 of the nozzle 204 is generally aligned with the outer circumference of the first cylinder 110, and the head 206 can be oriented to spray steam generally longitudinally. These two embodiments can be combined, that is, one or more nozzles can be aligned with the length direction of the first cylinder, and another or other nozzles can be aligned with the outer circumference of the first cylinder.

[0061] The first cylinder 110 is held in place by a stick or rod 112. The rod 112 rotates, thereby enabling the first cylinder 110 to rotate as well. A heating resistor 114 may be mounted at the base of at least one of the rods 112, which is used to heat the rod 112 and, in turn, the first cylinder 110. In addition to the heating resistor 114, other means for heating may be used, and other embodiments may use effects such as direct ohmic heating or induction heating, as well as appropriate coils or devices for such heating. The rod 112 may act as an electrode for passing an electric current through the first cylinder 110 to heat it.

[0062] In the embodiment suitable for coating the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110 Figure 1 Device 100 or Figure 2 In the device 200, the rod 112 is preferably located on the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder, or on a surface that enables coating of the outer surface of the first cylinder. Figure 3 Another embodiment of an apparatus suitable for coating the inner surface of a first cylinder is shown, wherein the rod is located on the outer surface of the first cylinder, which will be described later.

[0063] In one embodiment, at least one base of the second cylinder 102 (if the other base is already closed) or both bases can be closed so that the first cylinder 110 can be enclosed within the second cylinder 102. This arrangement can be referred to as an enclosure, a vault, or a chamber. The second cylinder can form a chamber. In another embodiment, the first cylinder and the second cylinder can be placed in a chamber different from the second cylinder.

[0064] Operation Example

[0065] In order to uniformly coat the first column 110 by using vapor deposition, it is necessary to Figure 1 or Figure 2 The first cylinder 110 is enclosed in a chamber as described above, and a vacuum is preferably formed so that there is no air or other gas around the first cylinder 110. If the material or precursor is not already in the form of a vapor, the material or precursor to be deposited must be evaporated and sprayed through the nozzle 104, 204. The vapor is then sprayed through the nozzle head 106, 206 at an appropriate speed, and the spray direction is approximately parallel to the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110, oblique to the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110, or approximately radial to the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110. For example, for advanced metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) coating, it is best to use a substantially parallel spray, while for conventional MOCVD coating or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), an oblique spray or even a substantially radial spray may be sufficient.

[0066] While the steam is being sprayed, the first cylinder 110 is rotated by means of the rod 112. Since the second cylinder 102 does not move, the first cylinder 110 moves relative to the second cylinder. Therefore, a phenomenon called Kuwaite flow can be observed, and a specific velocity profile can be made to exist between the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110 and the inner surface 102A of the second cylinder 102. By changing the relative speed of the cylinders, the profile can be configured to create a laminar flow, which is very desirable in certain chemical vapor deposition applications. The laminar flow can ensure uniform coating of the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110.

[0067] For some applications, it may be necessary for the outer surface 110B of the first pillar 110 to be at a certain temperature, which can ensure that the material is accurately deposited on the surface of the pillar 110. In one embodiment, the buffer layer 116 may be located on the outer surface 110B of the first pillar 110, and the layer must be heated to a higher temperature to receive vapor deposition, such as more than 500°C, such as in the range of 500°C to 900°C.

[0068] Figure 3Another apparatus 300 suitable for coating the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder 110 is shown.

[0069] The device 300 includes a third cylinder 302 (second support) adapted to be arranged inside the first cylinder 110. Thus, the diameter of the third cylinder is smaller than the diameter of the first cylinder. The bases of the first cylinder and the third cylinder may be aligned by their centers. For example, the first cylinder and the third cylinder may be concentric.

[0070] The ejector (e.g., ejection port or nozzle 304) is located on the outer surface 302B of the second cylinder 302 so that the ejector faces the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder 110. The nozzle 304 has an opening, an orifice, or a nozzle head 306 for ejecting material at a certain speed. The head 306 of the nozzle 304 is aligned parallel to the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder 110.

[0071] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the head 306 of the nozzle 304 is generally aligned with the length direction of the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder 110 and can be oriented to spray steam generally radially. Figure 2 In a similar embodiment, the nozzle head can be aligned with the inner circumference of the first cylinder and can be oriented to spray steam approximately longitudinally. These two embodiments can be combined, that is, one or more nozzles can be aligned with the length direction of the first cylinder, and another nozzle or other nozzles can be aligned with the inner circumference of the first cylinder.

[0072] The first cylinder 110 is held in place by a stick or rod 312. The rod 312 rotates, thereby enabling the small cylinder 110 to rotate as well. A heating resistor 314 may be mounted at the base of at least one of the rods 312, which may heat the rod 312 and, in turn, the first cylinder 110. In addition to the heating resistor 314, other means for heating may be used, and other embodiments may use effects such as direct ohmic heating or induction heating, as well as appropriate coils or devices for such heating. The rod 312 may act as an electrode for passing an electric current through the first cylinder 110 to heat it.

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the device 300, the rod 312 is preferably located on the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder, or may be located on another surface that enables coating of the inner surface of the first cylinder.

[0074] The second cylinder 102 may not be present in the device 300. For example, the first cylinder and the third cylinder may be placed in a chamber that is not necessarily a right circular cylinder or even a cylinder. As another example, the first cylinder may be closed before coating to form a chamber.

[0075] The third cylinder may be a cylinder in a broad sense, that is, it is not necessarily a right circular cylinder, and may even have a shape different from a cylinder.

[0076] Figure 1 or Figure 2 Other features described in may apply to Figure 3 equipment.

[0077] The above operation examples can be applied to Figure 3 embodiments and may require some adjustments available to those skilled in the art.

[0078] The application of the embodiment can be to manufacture superconducting coils, in particular module coils. In order to form a superconducting coil, different appropriate layers of stacks forming layers and at least a superconducting layer can be coated on a structure (e.g., a column) using different techniques, such as described in European patent application No. EP22305437 entitled "METHOD FORMANUFACTURING SUPERCONDUCTING COILS AND DEVICE" filed by the same applicant "RENAISSANCE FUSION" on April 4, 2022, which is incorporated into this application by reference to the maximum extent permitted by law. In addition, a step of removing material from the layer can also be provided to create a pattern of grooves formed in the coated column. The pattern can depend on the application. To remove material, techniques such as laser patterning can be used, and other techniques such as mechanical techniques or photolithography can also be used. The grooves can be filled with metals, such as silver.

[0079] The column of the superconducting coil can be processed to have a specific shape, and the superconducting coil can be assembled to another superconducting coil of similar or different shape (such as several module coils) to form an assembly. For example, several superconducting coils can be assembled to form a stellarator.

[0080] Example embodiments of the invention are summarized here. Other embodiments are also apparent from the entirety of the specification and the claims presented herein.

[0081] Example 1. A method for coating a surface (110B; 110A) of a structure (110), the method comprising the following steps:

[0082] Placing a structure (110) in a chamber, with at least one sprayer (104; 204; 304) located in the chamber and directed toward a surface (110B; 110A) of the structure to be coated;

[0083] closing the chamber;

[0084] forming a vacuum in the chamber; and then

[0085] Steam is injected toward the surface by the at least one injector (104; 204; 304), while causing relative movement, such as rotation, between the structure and the at least one injector.

[0086] Example 2. The method of Example 1, wherein, prior to the spraying step, a material such as a precursor is evaporated to form the vapor.

[0087] Example 3. The method according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: heating the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110) at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is preferably a high temperature, for example, higher than 500°C.

[0088] Example 4. The method of Example 3, wherein a buffer layer (116) is located on the surface (110B; 110A), and the buffer layer is heated at the first temperature.

[0089] Example 5. A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the speed of the movement, such as the rotational speed, is suitable for forming a laminar flow of the steam near the surface (110B; 110A) in the chamber.

[0090] Example 6. The method of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein causing relative motion between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises rotating the structure, such as primarily rotating the structure.

[0091] Example 7. A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the steam is injected in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110), and / or wherein the steam is injected in a direction inclined to the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110), for example, injected substantially in a radial direction of the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110).

[0092] Example 8. An apparatus (100; 200; 300) for coating a surface (110B; 110A) of a structure (110), the apparatus (100; 200; 300) being suitable for implementing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus comprises:

[0093] a chamber suitable for receiving the structure;

[0094] at least one injector (104; 204; 304) located within the chamber and directed toward a surface to be coated (110B; 110A) of the structure, the injector being adapted to inject steam toward the surface; and

[0095] Movement means are adapted to cause relative movement, such as rotation, between the structure and the at least one ejector.

[0096] Example 9. An apparatus (100; 200; 300) according to Example 8, wherein the apparatus comprises a first support member (102) and / or a second support member (302), wherein the first support member (102) and / or the second support member (302) are accommodated in the chamber or form at least a part of the chamber, and the first support member (102) and / or the second support member (302) are suitable for supporting the at least one injector (104; 204; 304), and the first support member and / or the second support member are, for example, cylinders.

[0097] Example 10. An apparatus (100; 200) according to Example 9, wherein the surface to be coated is an outer surface (110B) of the structure (110), the apparatus comprises a first support (102) suitable for accommodating the structure, and an injector (104; 204) of the at least one injector is located on an inner surface (102A) of the first support (102).

[0098] Example 11. An apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the first support member (102) forms at least a portion of the chamber, for example, the first support member (102) includes at least a base, which is suitable for being closed to enclose the structure (110) within the first support member.

[0099] Example 12. An apparatus (300) according to Example 9, wherein the surface to be coated is an inner surface (110A) of the structure (110), the apparatus comprises a second support (302) suitable for being placed within the structure, and an injector (304) of the at least one injector is located on an outer surface (302B) of the second support.

[0100] Example 13. An apparatus (100) according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein an opening (106; 304) of an injector (104; 304) in at least one of the injectors is aligned to be substantially parallel to a length direction of the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110).

[0101] Example 14. An apparatus (200) according to any of Examples 8 to 13, wherein an opening (206) of an injector (204) of at least one of the injectors is substantially aligned with a circumference of the surface (110B) of the structure (110).

[0102] Example 15. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the motion device is suitable for driving the structure (110) to rotate, and / or is suitable for maintaining the structure.

[0103] Example 16. The apparatus of Example 15, wherein the motion device comprises:

[0104] at least one roller (112; 312), preferably a plurality of rollers (112; 312), adapted to be coupled to another surface (110A; 110B) of the structure different from the surface to be coated (110B; 110A), such that rotation of the at least one roller causes rotation of the structure; and

[0105] At least one driving unit, such as a motor, is adapted to be coupled to the at least one rolling element to drive the at least one rolling element to rotate.

[0106] Example 17. The apparatus of Example 16, wherein the at least one rolling element (112; 312) is a stick, a rod, a disc, a cylinder or a wheel.

[0107] Example 18. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 8 to 17, wherein the apparatus comprises a heating device (114; 314) suitable for heating the surface (110B; 110A), the heating device (114; 314) being, for example, a heating resistor, an ohmic heating coil or an inductive heating coil.

[0108] Example 19. Apparatus according to example 18 in combination with example 16 or 17, wherein the heating device comprises a heating resistor (114; 314) connected to at least one rolling element (112; 312).

[0109] Example 20. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 8 to 19 or a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the structure (110) is a column.

[0110] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain features of these embodiments may be combined together, and those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other variations.

[0111] Finally, based on the functional description provided above, actual implementation of the embodiments and variations described herein is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0112] List of abbreviations

[0113] HTS High-Temperature Superconductors

[0114] MOCVD Metal-organic Chemical Vapor Deposition

[0115] CVD Chemical Vapor Deposition

Claims

1. A method for coating a surface (110B; 110A) of a structure (110), the method comprising the following steps: The structure (110) is placed in a chamber, and at least one ejector (104; 204; 304) is located in the chamber and faces the surface to be coated (110B; 110A) of the structure; closing the chamber; forming a vacuum within the chamber; Then Steam is injected toward the surface by the at least one injector (104; 204; 304), while causing relative movement between the structure and the at least one injector.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Prior to the spraying step, a material such as a precursor is evaporated to form the vapor.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises heating the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110) at a first temperature, preferably an elevated temperature, for example above 500°C.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: A buffer layer (116) is located on the surface (110B; 110A), and the buffer layer is heated at the first temperature.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The speed of said movement, for example the speed of rotation, is suitable for forming a laminar flow of said steam in said chamber near said surface (110B; 110A).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Inducing relative movement between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises rotating the structure, such as primarily consisting in rotating the structure.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The steam is injected in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110), and / or the steam is injected in a direction oblique to the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110), for example, injected substantially in a radial direction of the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110).

8. A device (100; 200; 300) for coating a surface (110B; 110A) of a structure (110), the device (100; 200; 300) being suitable for implementing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The device comprises: a chamber adapted to receive a structure (110); at least one injector (104; 204; 304) located in the chamber and directed toward a surface to be coated (110B; 110A) of the structure, the injector being adapted to inject steam toward the surface; and Movement means are adapted to cause relative movement between the structure and the at least one ejector.

9. The device (100; 200; 300) according to claim 8, wherein The device comprises a first support (102) and / or a second support (302), wherein the first support (102) and / or the second support (302) are accommodated in the chamber or form at least a part of the chamber, and the first support (102) and / or the second support (302) are suitable for supporting the at least one injector (104; 204; 304), and the first support and / or the second support are, for example, cylinders.

10. The device (100; 200) according to claim 9, wherein The surface to be coated is an outer surface (110B) of the structure (110), the device comprises a first support (102) suitable for accommodating the structure, and an injector (104; 204) of the at least one injector is located on an inner surface (102A) of the first support (102).

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The first support (102) forms at least a part of the chamber, for example, the first support (102) comprises at least a base, which is suitable for being closed to enclose the structure (110) within the first support.

12. The device (300) according to claim 9, wherein: The surface to be coated is an inner surface (110A) of the structure (110), the apparatus comprises a second support (302) adapted to be placed within the structure, and an injector (304) of the at least one injector is located on an outer surface (302B) of the second support.

13. The device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: An opening (106; 304) of an injector (104; 304) of the at least one injector is aligned substantially parallel to a length direction of the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110).

14. The device (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: An opening (206) of an injector (204) of the at least one injector is substantially aligned with a circumference of the surface (110B) of the structure (110).

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein: The movement device is suitable for driving the structure (110) to rotate, and / or for holding the structure.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The sports device comprises: at least one roller (112; 312), preferably a plurality of rollers, adapted to be coupled to another surface (110A; 110B) of the structure different from the surface to be coated (110B; 110A), such that rotation of the at least one roller causes rotation of the structure; and At least one driving unit, such as a motor, is adapted to be coupled to the at least one rolling element to drive the at least one rolling element to rotate.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein: The device comprises a heating device (114; 314) suitable for heating the surface (110B; 110A), the heating device (114; 314) being, for example, a heating resistor, an ohmic heating coil or an inductive heating coil.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 as appended to claim 16, wherein: The heating device comprises a heating resistor (114; 314) which is connected to at least one rolling element (112; 312).

19. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or an apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 18, wherein: The structure is coated with different layers forming a stack of layers including at least a superconducting layer.

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