Cooling system for superconducting generator

Abstract

A cooling system for a superconducting machine includes a thermal shield, a cryocooler, and an extension member. The cryocooler is thermally coupled to the thermal shield via at least one thermal busbar and at least one flexible connector, the at least one thermal busbar being secured across the at least one flexible connector. The extension member is secured to the at least one thermal busbar and the thermal shield so as to position the at least one thermal busbar at a position that minimizes a length of the at least one flexible connector.

Description

Statement regarding federally funded research or development

[0001] This invention was made with government support under a contract granted by the Department of Energy (DOE) with the designation DE-FOA-0001981. The government holds certain rights to this invention. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to superconducting machines, and more particularly to improved cooling systems for superconducting machines. Background Technology

[0003] Wind turbines have garnered increasing attention as an environmentally safe and relatively inexpensive alternative energy source. Along with this growing interest, considerable effort has been made to develop reliable and efficient wind turbines. Generally, a wind turbine comprises multiple rotor blades connected to the turbine's main shaft via a rotor hub. The rotor hub is positioned atop a tubular tower or base. Utility-grade wind turbines (i.e., those designed to supply electrical power to the public grid) may have large rotors (e.g., 100 meters or more in diameter). The rotor blades convert wind energy into rotational torque or force, which drives a generator rotaryly coupled to the rotor.

[0004] Low-reactance machines (e.g., superconducting generators) are being explored for use in wind turbine equipment, particularly offshore equipment. These machines utilize superconducting field windings, along with armature coils, cooling systems, and components consisting of non-magnetic teeth positioned between the coils within the armature. In certain designs, the superconducting generator includes an armature winding assembly that, unlike conventional machines (e.g., conventional nonconducting generators), rotates within a superconducting field assembly that includes a cryostat containing the superconducting field coils.

[0005] During operation, the superconducting magnet windings must be cooled below their critical temperature (i.e., the temperature at which the winding material changes from a normal resistive state to a superconducting state). Typically, the windings are cooled to temperatures significantly below their critical temperature because the lower the temperature, the better the superconducting windings function. Additionally, the lower temperature allows the superconducting windings to withstand higher currents and magnetic fields without reverting to their non-superconducting state. Therefore, liquid cooling or mechanical cooling is typically used to maintain the windings at temperatures sufficient to sustain superconductivity. In liquid cooling, liquid helium is used as the coolant, which has a boiling point of 4.2 Kelvin, below the critical temperature of most winding materials. Thus, the superconducting magnet and liquid helium are contained in a thermally insulated container called a cryostat. Alternatively, mechanical cooling generally includes the use of two stages of mechanical refrigeration to cool the superconducting magnet.

[0006] To further improve cooling efficiency, the various components of the cooling system and superconducting generator can be arranged in separate areas within the superconducting machine, thus maintaining the components at different temperatures. Separating the components in this way reduces undesirable heat transfer between them. However, the displacement and movement between such components due to thermal expansion and contraction must be considered.

[0007] Furthermore, since different components are fixed to each other to form a cooling system, undesirable thermal contact resistance can occur. If such resistance increases above a certain threshold, this increase can cause suboptimal operation of the superconducting generator or operation of the windings in a non-superconducting state.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure relates to an improved cooling system for a superconducting generator that solves the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure.

[0010] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a cooling system for a superconducting machine. The cooling system includes a heat shield, a cryogenic cooler, and an extension member. The cryogenic cooler is thermally coupled to the heat shield via at least one thermal busbar and at least one flexible connector, the at least one thermal busbar being secured across the at least one flexible connector. The extension member is secured to the at least one thermal busbar and the heat shield to position the at least one thermal busbar at a location that minimizes the length of the at least one flexible connector.

[0011] In one embodiment, the extension component includes at least one curved portion.

[0012] In another embodiment, at least one bend defines an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees.

[0013] In an additional embodiment, the extension component includes a plurality of component members fixed together to form at least one bend.

[0014] In other embodiments, at least a portion of the extension member is integrated with at least one thermal busbar.

[0015] In some other embodiments, the extension component is a separate member from at least one thermal busbar.

[0016] In other additional embodiments, at least one flexible connector includes a plurality of flexible connectors, wherein the extension component includes a twisted portion having a wider surface to allow the plurality of flexible connectors to have approximately the same length.

[0017] In another additional embodiment, at least one flexible connector includes a length ranging from about 50 millimeters (mm) to less than about 300 millimeters.

[0018] In some other embodiments, at least one flexible connector includes one of a braided wire, a foil component, or a heat pipe.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the extension member is defined as one of an L-shape, a U-shape, an I-shape, or an S-shape.

[0020] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for cooling a superconducting machine. The method includes circumferentially positioning a heat shield around a cold mass body of the superconducting machine. The method further includes thermally coupling a cryogenic cooler to the heat shield via a plurality of flexible connectors. The method further includes securing a thermal busbar across the plurality of flexible connectors. The method further includes securing an extension member to the thermal busbar and to the heat shield, wherein the extension member positions the thermal busbar relative to the cryogenic cooler at a position that minimizes the length of the plurality of flexible connectors. The method further includes operating the cryogenic cooler to cool the superconducting machine.

[0021] In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a superconducting machine. The superconducting machine includes a cold mass body, a thermal shield, a cryogenic cooler, and an extension member. The cold mass body includes a plurality of superconducting coils. The thermal shield surrounds the cold mass body. The cryogenic cooler is thermally coupled to the thermal shield via at least one thermal busbar and at least one flexible connector, the at least one thermal busbar being secured across the at least one flexible connector. The extension member is secured to the at least one thermal busbar and the thermal shield to position the at least one thermal busbar at a location that minimizes the length of the at least one flexible connector.

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The complete and practicable disclosure of this disclosure (including its best mode) is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 The figure shows an interior perspective view of an embodiment of the nacelle of a wind turbine with a superconducting machine according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 The illustration is a perspective view of an embodiment of the superconducting machine according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3An internal perspective view of an embodiment of the superconducting machine is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 The figure shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the superconducting machine according to this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 The illustration shows a partial internal view of an embodiment of the superconducting machine according to the present disclosure, with particular emphasis on details of the cooling system of the superconducting machine.

[0029] Figure 6 The figure shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a heat shield for a superconducting machine according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figures 7A-7C The illustrations depict various embodiments of the extension component according to this disclosure, which can be attached to the thermal busbar and thermal shield of a superconducting machine to position the thermal busbar at a location that minimizes the length of the flexible connector; and

[0031] Figure 8 The illustration shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for cooling a superconducting machine according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation rather than limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For example, a feature illustrated or described as a part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another further embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] The terms “connection,” “fixation,” “attachment,” etc., refer to direct connection, fixation, or attachment, as well as indirect connection, fixation, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specifically stated herein.

[0034] Generally, this disclosure relates to a cooling system for a superconducting generator. In embodiments, for example, the superconducting generator may include a heat shield, a cryogenic cooler, and an extension member. The cryogenic cooler is thermally connected to the heat shield via a thermal busbar and at least one flexible connector. Furthermore, in embodiments, the thermal busbar is secured across the flexible connector(s). Therefore, the extension member is secured to the thermal busbar and the heat shield to position the thermal busbar at a location that minimizes the length of the flexible connector(s). This minimizes the length of the flexible connector(s), thereby reducing heat conduction losses and improving the efficiency of the cooling system.

[0035] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 The illustration shows an interior perspective view of the nacelle of a wind turbine having a superconducting machine 10 according to this disclosure. As shown, the superconducting machine 10 may include an armature winding assembly 12, a field winding assembly 14, a plurality of conduction coils 16 (such as superconducting or non-superconducting coils), and a thermally insulating vacuum vessel 18. Thus, in one embodiment, the field winding assembly 14 may be a stationary member of the superconducting machine 10 having a first electromagnetic component configured in the form of conduction coils 16 providing a magnetic field in which the armature winding assembly 12 having a second electromagnetic component configuration rotates. However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that the armature winding assembly 12 may be modified to be stationary while the field winding assembly 14 rotates.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 2-4 The illustrations show various views of an embodiment of the superconducting machine 10 according to this disclosure. In particular, Figure 2 The figure shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the superconducting machine 10 according to the present disclosure; Figure 3 The figure shows an internal perspective view of an embodiment of the superconducting machine 10 according to the present disclosure; Figure 4 The figure shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a superconducting magnet according to the present disclosure; and Figure 5 The figure shows a partial interior view of an embodiment of the cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0037] As discussed, it should be understood that such superconducting machines described herein can be used in a variety of devices or applications. In particular, superconducting machines may include or be applicable to (but should not be construed as limited to) renewable energy sources (e.g., such as wind power), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, superconducting generators or motors, non-superconducting generators or motors, mass spectrometers, fusion reactors, particle accelerators, levitation, guidance, and propulsion, etc.

[0038] like Figure 2-5 As specifically shown, the superconducting machine 10 includes a thermally insulating vacuum vessel 18, generally referred to as a cryostat. As used herein, a cryostat generally refers to a device for maintaining a low cryogenic temperature. Additionally, as shown, the superconducting machine 10 generally includes a cold mass 28, a thermal shield 30 arranged circumferentially and surrounding the cold mass 28, and a cooling system 32. In another embodiment, the cold mass 28 may be a stationary component, such as a field winding assembly 14, which provides a stationary magnetic field within which the armature winding assembly 12 rotates. Furthermore, the cold mass 28 may include a plurality of conducting coils 16 ( Figure 1 Furthermore, as an example, the vacuum vessel 18 may be a non-rotatable component supporting the field winding assembly 14. Therefore, in such an embodiment, during operation of the superconducting machine 10, the rotatable component can be oriented to rotate relative to the non-rotatable component. In such an embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, the heat shield 30 is configured to intercept and / or block radiation from the vacuum vessel 18 (as indicated by arrow 34).

[0039] Still referencing Figure 2-5 The cooling system 32 is configured to provide a cooling fluid 35 (such as a cryogenic agent) to at least one superconducting circuit 36 ​​or coil, which is arranged inside the vacuum vessel 18 and is formed by an internal structure 38. Figure 3 The vacuum vessel 18 supports and is in fluid communication with one or more cryogenic tanks 40. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the vacuum vessel 18 insulates the superconducting circuit(s) 36, allowing the circuit(s) 36 to be cooled to near absolute zero, for example, to 10 Kelvin (K), and preferably to 4 K. For example, in an embodiment, the superconducting circuit(s) 36 may include multiple conduits 42 that transport cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic tank 40 to the internal structure 38. More specifically, as shown, the superconducting circuit(s) 36 may be arranged in a coil shape and configured to generate a magnetic field. Figure 2 As specifically shown, the superconducting machine 10 may further include a power supply device 44 for stimulating the superconducting circuit(s) 36.

[0040] Therefore, in its superconducting state, the (multiple) superconducting circuits 36 have no resistance and can thus conduct much larger currents than ordinary wires, thereby generating a strong magnetic field. Furthermore, during operation, the (multiple) superconducting circuits 36 must be cooled below their critical temperature, which is the temperature at which the wire material changes from a normal resistive state to a superconductor state. Typically, the (multiple) superconducting circuits 36 are cooled to temperatures significantly below their critical temperature because the lower the temperature, the better the superconducting windings perform—the higher the currents and magnetic fields they can withstand without reverting to their non-superconducting state.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown, the cooling system 32 can be fixed to the heat shield 30 of the superconducting machine 10 via at least one thermal bus 46. Furthermore, as shown, the thermal bus 46 is thermally connected to the heat shield 30 and the cryogenic cooler 48. In such an embodiment, for example as... Figure 4 As shown, the cryogenic cooler 48 is connected via a thermal busbar 46 and at least one flexible connector 110. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A thermal connection is made to the thermal shield 30. Furthermore, a thermal busbar 46 is secured across and through multiple flexible connectors 110. In such embodiments, the multiple flexible connectors 110 may be braided wires, foil components, or heat pipes. Therefore, heat is removed to the cooling system 32 via the thermal busbar 46. Additionally, as... Figure 5As specifically shown, the cooling system 32 further includes an extension member 102, which is attached to the thermal busbar(s) 46 and the thermal shield 30 to position the thermal busbar(s) 46(s) at a location that minimizes the length of the flexible connector 110. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the extension member 102 is fixed to the thermal busbar 46 at the first end 99 and to the thermal shield 30 at the second end 101. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the first end of the extension member 102 can be secured to the thermal busbar 46 via a first fastener 106. Similarly, as shown, the second end 101 of the extension member 102 can be secured to the thermal shield 30 via a second fastener 107. In such an embodiment, the extension member 102 can be a separate component from the thermal busbar 46. Furthermore, the extension member 102 can be sized such that the second end 101 extends from the vacuum vessel 18 across the entire length of the thermal shield 30. By doing so, the extension member 102 can better extract heat from the thermal shield 30 by axially transferring heat from the thermal shield 30 to the thermal busbar 46. In addition, by sizing the extension member 102 in this way, the extension member 102 can be able to maintain gas flow together with the cryogenic cooler 48 and the cryogenic tank 40.

[0042] If the flexible connector(s) 110 are too long, the Δ temperature and thermal conductivity loss of any component of the thermal busbar 46, the flexible connector(s) 110, or other components of the cooling system 32 may be too high, resulting in a loss of cooling power. Therefore, reducing the length of the flexible connector(s) 110 can be used to minimize the Δ temperature of such components. Thus, the extension member 102 is configured to effectively reduce the length of the flexible connector(s) 110, and therefore, also reduce thermal contact resistance. For example, in an embodiment, the extension member 102 may allow the length of the flexible connector(s) 110 to range from about 50 mm to less than about 300 mm.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the extension member 102 may be an integral component, such as a base arrangement, or a segmented component formed by multiple component members. For example, if the extension member 102 is segmented, it may include a first component member 121 attached to the heat shield 30 and a second component member 122 attached to the first component member 121 and the thermal busbar 46. Therefore, in the case where the extension member 102 is segmented (e.g. Figure 5 As shown, the component members can be connected together at one or more hinge joints 113, so that the shape of the extension member 102 can be modified as needed to connect the extension member 102 between the flexible connector 110 and the thermal shield 30. However, when the extension member 102 is a monolithic component, the extension member can be a one-piece, single, and continuous piece of material.

[0044] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the extension member 102 described herein may have any suitable shape with any number of bends in order to effectively reduce the length of the flexible connector 110. For example, as Figure 5 As shown in FIG7, the extension member 102 may include at least one bend 114.

[0045] However, the extension member 102 may also not have the bend 114. For example, now referring to Figure 6 The extension member 102 may take the form of a base, which is a freestanding I-shaped component extending from the thermal busbar 46 and connected to the flexible connector(s) 110. An extension member 102 without bends may be particularly useful if the distance between the thermal busbar 46 and the cryogenic cooler 48 is sufficiently large to reduce Δtemperature and thermal contact resistance. In this configuration, the flexible connector(s) 110 may be attached to the extension member 102. However, if a further reduction in distance is required, bends may be provided.

[0046] In such embodiments where multiple bends 114 are provided, the multiple bends 114 may define an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees (i.e., the angle between the two component members 116, 118 of the extension member 102). Therefore, by providing at least one bend 114 to the extension member 102, various shapes can be formed to guide the extension member 102 from the flexible connector 110 to the thermal shield 30. For example, in embodiments such as... Figure 5 and Figure 7B As shown, the extension member 102 may have a generally J-shaped (or U-shaped) form to guide the extension member 102 from the flexible connector 110 to the thermal shield 30. Furthermore, and now referring to... Figures 7A-7C This presents an example shape of the extension member 102 according to the present disclosure. Specifically, as... Figure 7A As shown, the extension member 102 has a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped form. In another embodiment, such as Figure 7C As shown, the extension member 102 has a generally L-shaped form. Additionally, as... Figure 7C As shown, the extension member 102 may also include a twist 120 or a twisted portion to further assist in reducing the length of the flexible connector 110. For example, the twist 120 or twisted portion may cause the extension member 102 to face more directly toward the flexible connector 110 or the thermal busbar 46, so that the flexible connector or thermal busbar 46 can be uniformly attached to the extension member 102.

[0047] Additionally, in some embodiments, the twist 120 is configured to provide a wider surface relative to the flexible connector 110. The wider surface allows the flexible connectors 110 to attach at approximately the same length. By making the flexible connectors 110 have approximately the same length, thermal contact resistance can be made uniform across all connectors, resulting in improved overall efficiency of the cooling system.

[0048] Now for reference Figure 8 The illustration shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method for cooling a generator according to the present disclosure. Generally, reference will be made herein to the references herein. Figure 1 Method 200 is described in conjunction with the superconducting machine 10 and associated cooling system 32 described in section -7. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosed method 200 can be used substantially with any superconducting machine having any suitable configuration. Furthermore, although Figure 8 The steps performed in a particular order are depicted for illustrative and discussion purposes, but the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. Those skilled in the art using the disclosure provided herein will recognize that the various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] As shown at (202), method 200 includes circumferentially positioning a heat shield around the cold mass body of a superconducting machine. As shown at (204), method 200 includes thermally coupling a cryogenic cooler to the heat shield via a plurality of flexible connectors. As shown at (206), the method includes securing a thermal busbar across the plurality of flexible connectors. As shown at (208), method 200 includes securing an extension member to the thermal busbar and to the heat shield such that the extension member positions the thermal busbar relative to the cryogenic cooler at a position that minimizes the length of the plurality of flexible connectors. As shown at (210), method 200 includes operating the cryogenic cooler to cool a generator.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will recognize the interchangeability of the various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various method steps and features described, as well as other known equivalents for each such method and feature, can be mixed and matched by those skilled in the art to construct additional systems and techniques based on the principles of this disclosure. It will be understood, of course, that not all such objects or advantages described above can necessarily be achieved according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and techniques described herein may be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one or more advantages as taught herein, but not necessarily other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0051] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following numbered clauses: Clause 1. A cooling system for a superconducting machine, the cooling system comprising: Heat shielding components; A cryogenic cooler, thermally connected to a thermal shield via at least one thermal busbar and at least one flexible connector, wherein the at least one thermal busbar is fixed across the at least one flexible connector; and An extension component is attached to at least one thermal busbar and a thermal shield to position at least one thermal busbar at a location that minimizes the length of at least one flexible connector. Clause 2. The cooling system according to Clause 1, wherein the extension component includes at least one bend. Clause 3. The cooling system according to Clause 2, wherein at least one bend defines an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees. Clause 4. The cooling system according to Clauses 2-3, wherein the extension component comprises a plurality of component members fixed together to form at least one bend. Clause 5. A cooling system pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least a portion of the extension component is integrally connected with at least one thermal busbar. Clause 6. A cooling system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the extension component is a separate component from at least one thermal busbar. Clause 7. A cooling system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one flexible connector comprises a plurality of flexible connectors, wherein the extension component includes a twisted portion having a wider surface to allow the plurality of flexible connectors to have approximately the same length. Clause 8. A cooling system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one flexible connector comprises a length ranging from about 50 mm to less than about 300 mm. Clause 9. A cooling system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one flexible connector comprises one of a braided wire, a foil component, or a heat pipe. Clause 10. A cooling system pursuant to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the extension component is defined as one of an L-shape, U-shape, I-shape or S-shape. Clause 11. A method for cooling a superconducting machine, the method comprising: The heat shield is circumferentially positioned around the cold mass of the superconducting machine; The cryogenic cooler is thermally connected to the heat shield via multiple flexible connectors; Secure the thermal busbar across multiple flexible connectors; The extension component is secured to the thermal busbar and to the thermal shield, wherein the extension component positions the thermal busbar relative to the cryogenic cooler at a position that minimizes the length of the multiple flexible connectors; and Operate a cryogenic cooler to cool the superconducting machine. Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein the extension member includes at least one bend. Clause 13. The method according to Clause 12, wherein at least one bend defines an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees. Clause 14. The method according to Clauses 12-13, wherein the extension member comprises a plurality of component members fixed together to form at least one bend. Clause 15. The method according to Clauses 11-14, wherein the extension component includes a twisted portion having a wider surface to allow multiple flexible connectors to have approximately the same length. Clause 16. The lengths of the plurality of flexible connectors, according to the method of Clauses 11-15, range from about 50 mm to less than about 300 mm. Clause 17. The method according to Clauses 11-16, wherein the extension component is integrated with the thermal busbar. Clause 18. The method according to Clauses 11-17, wherein the plurality of flexible connectors includes one of a braided wire, a foil component, or a heat pipe. Clause 19. The method according to Clauses 11-18, wherein the extension member defines at least one of an L-shape, a U-shape, an I-shape, or an S-shape. Clause 20. A superconducting machine, comprising: A cold mass body, comprising multiple superconducting coils; A heat shield that surrounds a cold mass; A cryogenic cooler, thermally connected to a thermal shield via at least one thermal busbar and at least one flexible connector, wherein the at least one thermal busbar is fixed across the at least one flexible connector; and An extension component is attached to at least one thermal busbar and a thermal shield to position at least one thermal busbar at a location that minimizes the length of at least one flexible connector.

[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose this disclosure (including the best mode) and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice this disclosure (including making and using any apparatus or system, and performing any incorporated methods). The patentability of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system for a superconducting machine, the cooling system comprising: Thermal shields; a cryocooler thermally coupled to the thermal shield via at least one thermal bus bar and at least one flexible connector, the at least one thermal bus bar being secured across the at least one flexible connector; as well as An extension member is secured to the at least one thermal bus bar and the thermal shield to position the at least one thermal bus bar at a location that minimizes the length of the at least one flexible connector.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The extension member includes at least one bend.

3. The cooling system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one bend defines an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees.

4. The cooling system according to claim 2, wherein: The extension member includes a plurality of component components secured together to form the at least one bend.

5. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the extension member is integral with the at least one thermal busbar.

6. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The extension member is a separate member from the at least one thermal bus bar.

7. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one flexible connector includes a plurality of flexible connectors, wherein the extension member includes a twisted portion including a wider surface to allow the plurality of flexible connectors to have approximately the same length.

8. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one flexible connector includes a length ranging from about 50 millimeters (mm) to less than about 300 mm.

9. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one flexible connector includes one of a braided wire, a foil component, or a heat pipe.

10. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The extension member defines one of an L-shape, a U-shape, an I-shape, or an S-shape.

11. A method of cooling a superconducting machine, the method comprising: positioning a thermal shield circumferentially around a cold mass of the superconducting machine; thermally coupling a cryocooler to the thermal shield via a plurality of flexible connectors; securing a thermal bus bar across the plurality of flexible connectors; securing an extension member to the thermal bus bar and to the thermal shield, wherein the extension member positions the thermal bus bar relative to the cryocooler at a location that minimizes the length of the plurality of flexible connectors; and The cryocooler is operated to cool the superconducting machine.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The extension member includes at least one bend.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one bend defines an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The extension member includes a plurality of component components secured together to form the at least one bend.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The extension member includes a twisted portion including a wider surface to allow the plurality of flexible connectors to have approximately the same length.

16. The method of claim 11, the length of the plurality of flexible connectors comprising a range from about 50 millimeters (mm) to less than about 300 mm.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The extension member is integrally arranged with the thermal busbar.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of flexible connectors include one of a braided wire, a foil component, or a heat pipe.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The extension member defines at least one of an L-shape, a U-shape, an I-shape, or an S-shape.

20. A superconducting machine comprising: a cold mass comprising a plurality of superconducting coils; a thermal shield surrounding the cold mass; a cryocooler thermally coupled to the thermal shield via at least one thermal bus bar and at least one flexible connector, the at least one thermal bus bar being secured across the at least one flexible connector; as well as An extension member is secured to the at least one thermal bus bar and the thermal shield to position the at least one thermal bus bar at a location that minimizes the length of the at least one flexible connector.

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