Superconducting magnet
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511082115.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-08-01
AI Technical Summary
[0005]有鉴于此,本公开提供一种超导磁体及具有其的磁共振设备,以解决超导磁体要么具有较高的制造成本、较低的可靠性和安全性,要么具有较大的尺寸导致运输和安装难度较高的问题
[0041]另一方面,本公开提供一种超导磁体。该超导磁体包括低温保持器、超导线圈组、循环管路、压力腔以及管路。低温保持器包括外容器和屏蔽筒。外容器内设有筒状空间。屏蔽筒设于筒状空间中。外容器、屏蔽筒上均设置有通孔。超导线圈组设于屏蔽筒中。循环管路与制冷机热耦合以对超导线圈组进行冷却。压力腔设于低温保持器中,与外容器热耦合。管路依次穿过屏蔽筒的通孔、外容器的通孔,实现循环管路与压力腔的连通。循环管路的冷介质从液态变为气态后能够从循环管路释放至压力腔。
Smart Images

Figure CN121034794B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of magnetic resonance technology, and more particularly to a superconducting magnet. Background Technology
[0002] Superconducting magnets used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices are known. A superconducting magnet typically consists of a cryostat and an array of superconducting coils housed within it. The superconducting coils achieve a superconducting state at cryogenic temperatures to provide the underlying magnetic field environment.
[0003] To achieve the required cryogenic environment, some superconducting magnets include a cryostat and a pressure chamber. During operation, the cryostat liquefies the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber. This liquid cooling medium then provides the necessary cryogenic environment by exchanging heat with the superconducting coil assembly.
[0004] However, these superconducting magnets either have high manufacturing costs, low reliability and safety, or large size that makes transportation and installation difficult. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a superconducting magnet and a magnetic resonance device having the same, to solve the problems that superconducting magnets either have high manufacturing costs, low reliability and safety, or large size that leads to high transportation and installation difficulties.
[0006] On one hand, this disclosure provides a superconducting magnet. The superconducting magnet includes a cryogenic holder, a superconducting coil assembly, a pressure chamber, a refrigerator, and a heat exchange structure. The superconducting coil assembly is disposed within the cryogenic holder. The pressure chamber is used to store a gaseous cold medium. The refrigerator is used to cool and liquefy the gaseous cold medium into a liquid cold medium. The liquid cold medium exchanges heat with the superconducting coil assembly through the heat exchange structure to cool the superconducting coil assembly. The pressure chamber is partially or entirely disposed within the cryogenic holder. When the superconducting coil assembly is operating, the temperature of the superconducting coil assembly is T1, and the temperature of the gaseous cold medium in the pressure chamber is T2, where T2-T1≥40K.
[0007] According to the superconducting magnet disclosed herein, during the operation of the superconducting coil assembly, the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber has a relatively high temperature, exceeding the temperature of the superconducting coil assembly by more than 40 K. Therefore, the required molar mass of the cooling medium is relatively small. Consequently, before startup, after shutdown, or in a quench-free state, the pressure on the pressure chamber and its connected piping and chambers is relatively low, thereby reducing the pressure-bearing and sealing requirements of these components. This helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet and improves its reliability and safety. Simultaneously, since the pressure chamber is partially or entirely housed within the cryogenic holder, it occupies little or no space outside the cryogenic holder, which helps reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet, thereby reducing transportation and installation difficulties.
[0008] Alternatively or supplementally, the superconducting magnet also includes a gas reservoir, with a pressure chamber forming the inner cavity of the gas reservoir. The cryogenic holder includes an outer container, within which the superconducting coil assembly is located. The gas reservoir is at least partially located within and connected to the outer container.
[0009] With this configuration, the gas storage tank extends partially or completely into the outer container, utilizing the space within the outer container to reduce the additional space occupied by the gas storage tank. This helps to reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet. Furthermore, since the gas storage tank is partially or completely located within the outer container, the outer container provides some protection for the gas storage tank, absorbing external vibrations and mitigating shocks, which helps improve reliability and safety. Additionally, in embodiments where the gas storage tank is entirely located within the outer container, the superconducting magnet achieves better aesthetic uniformity.
[0010] Based on this, the gas storage tank gains reliable support and fixation through connection with the outer container. Simultaneously, the outer container of the cryogenic holder is in direct or indirect contact with the external environment, thus enabling heat exchange. Therefore, the outer container maintains a relatively high temperature, such as close to room temperature, while the superconducting coil assembly is operating. Because the gas storage tank is connected to the outer container, they exchange heat to a certain extent, thereby maintaining the gaseous cold medium within the pressure chamber at a relatively high temperature during superconducting coil assembly operation.
[0011] Alternatively or supplementally, the outer container includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two end caps, with the outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. The outer and inner cylinders extend between the two end caps to form a cylindrical space together with the two end caps. The gas storage tank is partially or wholly located within the cylindrical space.
[0012] Alternatively or supplementally, the superconducting coil assembly comprises an inner coil and an outer coil surrounding the inner coil. The two outer coils are arranged axially spaced apart. A gas reservoir is located radially outside the inner coil and is partially or entirely situated between the two outer coils.
[0013] With this design, the space located radially outside the inner coil and between the two outer coils is occupied by the gas storage tank, making efficient use of this previously unused space. This improves the utilization rate of the cylindrical space inside the outer container, allowing the gas storage tank to be partially or completely housed within the cylindrical space of the outer container without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container.
[0014] Alternatively or supplementally, the outer container includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two end caps, with the outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. The outer and inner cylinders extend between the two end caps to form a cylindrical space together with the two end caps. The gas storage tank is partially or wholly located within the cylindrical space. The gas storage tank extends in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction, and at least one end of the gas storage tank is connected to the outer cylinder.
[0015] Because the gas storage tank is located radially outside the inner coil and partially or entirely between the two outer coils, extending in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction makes it easier to avoid the two outer coils, allowing the gas storage tank to achieve a greater length and thus a larger gas storage volume. Furthermore, by extending the gas storage tank in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction and connecting at least one end to the outer cylinder of the outer container, the manufacturing difficulty of installing the gas storage tank inside and connecting it to the outer container is reduced.
[0016] Alternatively or supplementally, multiple gas storage tanks are arranged axially.
[0017] By using multiple gas storage tanks extending orthogonally or obliquely to the axial direction and arranged axially, a larger proportion of the space located radially outside the inner coil and between the two outer coils will be utilized, further improving space utilization. Accordingly, a larger gas storage volume can be achieved without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container. With a larger gas storage volume, the gas storage tanks and their connected piping and chambers will experience lower gas pressure before startup, after shutdown, or in quench conditions.
[0018] Alternatively or supplementally, the superconducting coil assembly includes an inner coil and an outer coil surrounding the inner coil. A gas storage tank is partially or wholly located between the inner and outer coils.
[0019] With this design, the space between the inner and outer coils is occupied by the gas storage tank, making efficient use of this previously unused space. This improves the utilization rate of the cylindrical space inside the outer container, allowing the gas storage tank to be partially or completely housed within the cylindrical space of the outer container without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container.
[0020] Alternatively or supplementally, the outer container includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two end caps, with the outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. The outer and inner cylinders extend between the two end caps to form a cylindrical space together with the two end caps. The gas storage tank is partially or wholly located within the cylindrical space. The gas storage tank extends axially and at least one end is connected to at least one end cap.
[0021] Because the gas storage tank is located between the inner and outer coils, the axially extending gas storage tank will avoid the inner and outer coils, allowing the gas storage tank to achieve a greater length and thus a larger gas storage volume. In addition, by extending the gas storage tank axially and connecting at least one end of it to the end cap of the outer container, the manufacturing difficulty of installing the gas storage tank inside the outer container and connecting it to the outer container is reduced.
[0022] Alternatively or supplementally, multiple gas storage tanks are arranged circumferentially.
[0023] By using multiple gas storage tanks that extend axially and are arranged circumferentially, a larger proportion of the space between the inner and outer coils can be utilized, further improving space utilization. A larger gas storage volume is provided by arranging multiple gas storage tanks in the manner described above, without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container.
[0024] As a supplement or alternative, the superconducting coil assembly is thermally isolated from the gas storage tank.
[0025] Compared to placing the gas storage tank outside the outer container, placing it inside the outer container allows for a closer proximity to the superconducting coil assembly, with fewer obstructions between them. With a closer proximity and fewer obstructions, thermal radiation from the gas storage tank to the superconducting coil assembly is more likely to occur. By thermally isolating the superconducting coil assembly from the gas storage tank, thermal radiation from the gas storage tank to the superconducting coil assembly can be isolated or significantly reduced.
[0026] Alternatively, the cryogenic holder may also include a shielding cylinder. The shielding cylinder is positioned between the outer container and the superconducting coil assembly. A first isolation cylinder is located inside the shielding cylinder. At least one end of the first isolation cylinder is connected to the shielding cylinder, forming a first opening. A gas storage tank extends into the first isolation cylinder through the first opening. Both the gas storage tank and the superconducting coil assembly are thermally insulated from the first isolation cylinder.
[0027] The shielding cylinder helps reduce external heat radiation to the superconducting coil assembly, establishing and maintaining the cryogenic environment required for the superconducting coil assembly to operate. By extending into the first insulating cylinder, the gas storage tank can extend into the inner side of the shielding cylinder to utilize this space, which will further improve space utilization. At the same time, since both the gas storage tank and the superconducting coil assembly are thermally isolated from the first insulating cylinder, heat radiation from the gas storage tank to the superconducting coil assembly will be effectively isolated or significantly reduced.
[0028] Alternatively or supplementarily, the cryogenic holder also includes an inner container. The inner container is disposed between the shielding cylinder and the superconducting coil assembly. A second insulating cylinder is provided inside the inner container. At least one end of the second insulating cylinder is connected to the inner container and forms a second opening. The first insulating cylinder extends into the second insulating cylinder through the second opening. Both the first insulating cylinder and the superconducting coil assembly are thermally insulated from the second insulating cylinder.
[0029] The inner container helps further reduce external heat radiation to the superconducting coil assembly. By extending into the second insulating cylinder, the gas tank can extend into the inner container to utilize this space, which will further improve space utilization. At the same time, since both the first insulating cylinder and the superconducting coil assembly are thermally isolated from the second insulating cylinder, heat radiation from the gas tank to the superconducting coil assembly will be more effectively isolated or significantly reduced.
[0030] Alternatively or supplementally, the cryogenic holder includes an outer container and a reinforcing structure. The superconducting coil assembly is located inside the outer container. The reinforcing structure is located on the outside of the outer container and connected to it. The reinforcing structure includes a hollow reinforcing member. The pressure chamber is the inner cavity of the hollow reinforcing member.
[0031] Because the hollow reinforcing member is located on the outside of the outer container, it can directly or indirectly contact the external environment, thus enabling heat exchange. Therefore, when the superconducting coil assembly is operating, the hollow reinforcing member still maintains a relatively high temperature, for example, close to room temperature. This allows the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber of the hollow reinforcing member to remain at a high temperature during superconducting coil assembly operation.
[0032] At the same time, the hollow reinforcement not only helps improve the overall structural strength of the cryogenic holder but also provides a pressure chamber for storing the gaseous cold medium. This single component serves multiple purposes, which helps reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet, simplifies its structural complexity, and lowers manufacturing costs.
[0033] Alternatively or supplementally, the reinforcing structure includes two reinforcing ribs. Each reinforcing rib protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the outer container and extends circumferentially. The two reinforcing ribs are spaced apart axially. A hollow reinforcing member extends between the two reinforcing ribs and connects to them.
[0034] Based on this construction, the reinforcement structure can help the cryogenic holder achieve higher overall structural strength.
[0035] Alternatively or supplementally, multiple hollow reinforcing members are arranged circumferentially between two reinforcing ribs at intervals.
[0036] By arranging multiple hollow reinforcing members spaced apart from each other along the circumference between the two reinforcing ribs, the reinforcement structure helps the cryostat achieve higher overall structural strength. Furthermore, the space between the two reinforcing ribs will be utilized more efficiently, further improving space utilization. Accordingly, a larger gas storage volume can be achieved without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the cryostat.
[0037] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a superconducting magnet. The superconducting magnet includes a cryogenic holder, a superconducting coil assembly, a circulation pipeline, and a pressure chamber. The cryogenic holder includes an outer container and a shielding cylinder. A cylindrical space is provided inside the outer container, and the shielding cylinder is disposed within the cylindrical space. The superconducting coil assembly is disposed within the shielding cylinder. The circulation pipeline is thermally coupled to a cryogenic unit to cool the superconducting coil assembly. The pressure chamber is disposed within the cryogenic holder, thermally coupled to the outer container, and communicates with the circulation pipeline via a pipeline. The pressure chamber is used to balance sudden pressure increases within the circulation pipeline caused by the cooling medium changing from a liquid to a gaseous state.
[0038] According to the superconducting magnet disclosed herein, since the pressure chamber is located within the cryogenic holder, it occupies little or no space outside the cryogenic holder. This helps reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet, thereby reducing transportation and installation difficulties. Simultaneously, due to the thermal coupling between the pressure chamber and the outer container, the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber will have a higher temperature during superconducting coil assembly operation, thus requiring a smaller molar mass of the cooling medium. Therefore, before startup, after shutdown, or in a quench-free state, the pressure on the pressure chamber and its connected piping and chambers is lower, thereby reducing the pressure-bearing and sealing requirements of these components. This helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet and improve its reliability and safety.
[0039] Alternatively, the cryogenic holder may also include an inner container. The inner container is housed within a shielding cylinder. The inner container has a mounting space in which the superconducting coil assembly is housed. A liquid cooling medium flows into the mounting space through a circulation pipe to cool the superconducting coil assembly.
[0040] In this way, the liquid cooling medium can cool the superconducting coil assembly.
[0041] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a superconducting magnet. The superconducting magnet includes a cryogenic holder, a superconducting coil assembly, a circulation system, a pressure chamber, and other piping. The cryogenic holder includes an outer container and a shielding cylinder. A cylindrical space is provided inside the outer container. The shielding cylinder is disposed within the cylindrical space. Both the outer container and the shielding cylinder have through holes. The superconducting coil assembly is disposed within the shielding cylinder. The circulation system is thermally coupled to a cryogenic unit to cool the superconducting coil assembly. The pressure chamber is disposed within the cryogenic holder and thermally coupled to the outer container. The piping passes sequentially through the through holes in the shielding cylinder and the outer container, thus connecting the circulation system to the pressure chamber. The cooling medium in the circulation system, after changing from a liquid to a gaseous state, can be released from the circulation system to the pressure chamber.
[0042] According to the superconducting magnet disclosed herein, since the pressure chamber is located within the cryogenic holder, it occupies little or no space outside the cryogenic holder. This helps reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet, thereby reducing transportation and installation difficulties. Simultaneously, due to the thermal coupling between the pressure chamber and the outer container, the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber will have a higher temperature during superconducting coil assembly operation, thus requiring a smaller molar mass of the cooling medium. Therefore, before startup, after shutdown, or in a quench-free state, the pressure on the pressure chamber and its connected piping and chambers is lower, thereby reducing the pressure-bearing and sealing requirements of these components. This helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet and improve its reliability and safety. Furthermore, the pipeline passes sequentially through the through-holes of the shielding cylinder and the outer container to connect the circulation pipeline with the pressure chamber. This structure has the advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing difficulty. Moreover, according to this structure, when the cold medium flows between the gas storage chamber and the circulation pipeline, it will pass through the pipeline located outside the outer container. This helps to ensure that the gaseous cold medium in the pressure chamber will have a higher temperature when the superconducting coil group is working, further reducing the molar mass of the required cold medium, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet and further improving the reliability and safety of the superconducting magnet.
[0043] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a magnetic resonance device. The magnetic resonance device includes the aforementioned superconducting magnet. Attached Figure Description
[0044] It should be understood that the following figures only illustrate certain embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope.
[0045] It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to denote the same or similar elements.
[0046] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are only schematic, and the dimensions and scales of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily precise.
[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic resonance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a superconducting magnet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] Figure 3 To show Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a superconducting magnet.
[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the superconducting magnet along the axial direction.
[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a superconducting magnet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the superconducting magnet along the axial direction.
[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a superconducting magnet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1000-Magnetic Resonance Equipment; 100-Detection Device; 200-Accommodation Space; 300-Support Device; 10-Superconducting Magnet; 11-Superconducting Coil Assembly; 111-Inner Coil; 112-Outer Coil; 12-Cryogenic Holder; 121-Outer Container; 1211-Outer Cylinder; 1212-Inner Cylinder; 1213-End Cap; 1214-Cylindrical Space; 1215-Through Hole of Outer Container; 122-Shielding Cylinder; 1221-Shield 123-Inner container; 124-Reinforcing structure; 1241-Hollow reinforcing member; 1242-Reinforcing rib; 13-Refrigeration unit; 131-Cold head; 14-Heat exchange structure; 151-Cold head cavity; 152-Pipeline; 153-Return liquid cavity; 154-Pipeline; 155-Pipeline; 156-Pipeline; 16-Gas storage tank; 161-Pressure cavity; 162-End; 17-First isolation cylinder; 18-Second isolation cylinder. Detailed Implementation
[0055] In order to store gaseous cold medium before startup, after shutdown, or in a quenching state, superconducting magnets may be equipped with pressure chambers.
[0056] As one implementation, the pressure chamber of a superconducting magnet can be located in a cryogenic environment. When the desired cryogenic environment is achieved, the temperature of the pressure chamber is low, for example, the same as or close to the temperature of the cryogenic environment. However, the inventors have found that for this type of superconducting magnet, a large molar mass of the liquid cooling medium is required to obtain sufficient liquid cooling medium. In the non-superconducting or non-superconducting state, the pressure chamber, as well as the pipes and chambers connected to it, need to withstand high pressures, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces reliability and safety.
[0057] As an alternative implementation, the pressure chamber can be located outside the cryogenic holder. When the desired cryogenic environment is achieved, the pressure chamber temperature is relatively high, for example, close to room temperature. For this type of superconducting magnet, the required molar mass of the cold medium is small. In the non-superconducting or non-superconducting state, the pressure chamber, along with its connected tubing and chambers, experiences relatively low pressure. However, the inventors found that the pressure chamber requires additional space, increasing the overall size of the superconducting magnet and complicating transportation and installation.
[0058] In view of this, the present disclosure improves the construction of superconducting magnets. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates superconducting magnets according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Numerous specific details are set forth below to provide an understanding of the structure, function, and use of the embodiments described and illustrated in the specification and drawings. It is to be understood that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be recognized that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and exemplary. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0059] To facilitate understanding, the magnetic resonance equipment to which the superconducting magnet provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is applicable will be illustrated below with examples.
[0060] A magnetic resonance imaging device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure... Figure 1 This is illustrated schematically. (Reference) Figure 1 The magnetic resonance device 1000 may include a detection device 100. The detection device 100 may include a superconducting magnet. The superconducting magnet can be used to generate the high-intensity, high-stability fundamental magnetic field required for the magnetic resonance phenomenon.
[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The detection device 100 may have an inspection space 200 for accommodating the object to be detected. The inspection space 200 may be surrounded circumferentially by a superconducting magnet. By way of example only, the inspection space 200 may be a cylindrical cavity.
[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 1000 may also include a support device 300. The support device 300 can be used to support the object being examined. With the aid of the support device 300, the object being examined can be partially or completely moved into the examination space 200.
[0063] In a non-limiting example, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 1000 can surround a tunnel-shaped examination space 200, which can be a single-modal system, a multimodal detection system integrating a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner, or an integrated MR-RT diagnostic and therapeutic device. The main magnetic field environment required for human body scanning imaging is provided by a superconducting magnet, while spatial encoding is provided by the gradient coils of the MRI device 1000. Gradient coils at room temperature typically have three independent coils along the X, Y, and Z axes. The gradient magnetic field generated by these three-directional gradient coils allows MRI signals from different locations to carry different spatial localization information. Through mathematical conversion encoding, the MRI signals are distributed to individual pixels. The three-dimensional spatial localization of the MRI signal includes the selection of slice and slice thickness, frequency encoding, and phase encoding. For example, the Z-axis gradient field, used as the gradient for layer selection, generates a linear magnetic field (based on a theoretically uniform B0 magnetic field) in the Z-axis direction under the drive of a gradient power amplifier. The magnitude of the gradient field strength applied in the Z-axis direction determines the difference in hydrogen proton precession frequency per unit length in that direction. With the relative positions of the inspection site and the selected gradient remaining constant, the selection of the inspection site, layer, and layer thickness can be achieved by setting the parameters of the radio frequency pulse and the gradient field.
[0064] It is understood that the illustrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 1000 may include other components typically found in conventional MRI devices. The overall operation of the MRI device 1000 is known to those skilled in the art, and for the sake of brevity, this document will not describe in detail the other components that the MRI device 1000 may include or its overall operation.
[0065] The following is an example illustrating the superconducting magnet provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.
[0066] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a superconducting magnet 10 is used in... Figures 2 to 4 The diagram is shown schematically. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The superconducting magnet 10 may include a superconducting coil assembly 11, a cryostat 12, a refrigerator 13, and a heat exchange structure 14.
[0067] The superconducting coil assembly 11 is the core component of the superconducting magnet 10, and it can operate in cryogenic environments. For example, during operation, the superconducting coil assembly 11 can reach a superconducting state at cryogenic temperatures, that is, a state where the resistance approaches zero. In the superconducting state, the energized superconducting coil assembly 11 generates a high-intensity, highly stable magnetic field, thereby providing the basic magnetic field environment for the magnetic resonance imaging device 1000.
[0068] The cryogenic holder 12 has an internal storage space in which the superconducting coil assembly 11 is housed. The cryogenic holder 12 can isolate or significantly reduce the heat radiation from the external environment to the storage space, helping to create and maintain the low-temperature environment required for the superconducting coil assembly 11 to operate within the storage space.
[0069] The refrigerator 13 is used to cool and liquefy a gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant. By way of example only, the refrigerator 13 may include a cold head 131, and a cold head cavity 151 may be provided within the cryogenic holder 12, with the cold head 131 disposed within the cold head cavity 151. The gaseous refrigerant and the cold head 131 can be cooled and liquefied into a liquid refrigerant within the cold head cavity 151. In some embodiments, the cold head 131 may include a first-stage cold head and a second-stage cold head, with the second-stage cold head located below the first-stage cold head. The second-stage cold head can generate extremely low temperatures, for example, liquid helium that can be condensed and vaporized. Exemplarily, the first-stage cold head can reach a temperature of 50K or even lower, while the second-stage cold head can reach a temperature of approximately 4.2K.
[0070] The heat exchange structure 14 is located within the cryogenic holder 11. The cryogenic holder 11 may also contain a piping system connecting the cold head cavity 151 and the heat exchange structure 14. The liquid cooling medium flows through the piping system to the heat exchange structure 14 and exchanges heat with the superconducting coil assembly 11, providing the superconducting coil assembly 11 with the cryogenic environment required to reach the superconducting state. For example, one or more return chambers 153 may be provided on the piping to store a larger amount of liquid cooling medium.
[0071] In one example, the heat exchange structure 14 can be a heat exchange pipeline that is thermally coupled (e.g., in contact) with the superconducting coil assembly 11, through which a liquid cold medium flows to exchange heat with the superconducting coil assembly 11.
[0072] The heat exchange structure 14 is mainly used to transfer the cooling energy generated by the cold head 131 of the refrigerator 13 to the superconducting coil of the superconducting coil assembly 11, so as to cool the superconducting coil. The heat exchange structure 14 may include a cold conducting pipe, which can be sleeved outside the superconducting coil, and the superconducting coil is connected to the refrigerator 13 through the cold conducting pipe for heat conduction.
[0073] The cooling tube can be in contact with the surface of the superconducting coil; for example, most of the inner wall of the cooling tube can be in contact with the outer wall of the superconducting coil. A cooling medium is contained inside the cooling tube.
[0074] The cooling tube can be a thermosiphon, and the thermosiphon contains a mixture of helium gas and liquid helium. The helium gas in the thermosiphon is cooled and condensed into liquid helium at the refrigerator 13, flows to the superconducting coil, is heated, evaporates back into helium, and returns to the refrigerator 13. Through this heat transfer method, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 13 is transferred to the superconducting coil, thereby cooling the superconducting coil.
[0075] In another example, the heat exchange structure 14 can be a container for containing a liquid cold medium, and the superconducting coil assembly 11 can be placed in the container and partially or completely immersed in the liquid cold medium for heat exchange.
[0076] When the refrigerator 13 is working, it liquefies the gaseous cooling medium into a liquid cooling medium. Under the influence of gravity, the liquid cooling medium flows through the piping system to the return chamber 11 located below the superconducting magnet 11. The pressure of the gas in each pipe and chamber gradually decreases until it reaches a gas-liquid saturation state, thus obtaining the required low-temperature environment.
[0077] When the superconducting coil assembly 11 generates heat due to external heat input or electromagnetic coupling, this heat is transferred to the heat exchange structure 14, which is thermally coupled to the superconducting coil assembly 11, and then to the liquid cooling medium, until the liquid cooling medium vaporizes to form a gaseous cooling medium. The gaseous cooling medium returns to the cold head cavity 151 along the pipeline system and is cooled and liquefied again to become a liquid cooling medium, thereby achieving cyclic cooling of the superconducting coil assembly 11.
[0078] By way of example only, the cooling medium can be helium. Liquid helium has a boiling point of 4.2 K, making it one of the lowest temperature media available in nature. Liquid helium absorbs a large amount of heat from the superconducting coil assembly 11 through a liquid-gas phase change, providing a cryogenic environment as low as 4.2 K for the superconducting magnet 11. At this cryogenic environment of 4.2 K, the superconducting coil assembly 11 achieves a superconducting state exhibiting zero resistance, thereby forming and maintaining a high-strength, highly stable magnetic field.
[0079] It is understood that the cooling medium in this disclosure is not limited to helium. The cooling medium needs to provide the ambient temperature required for the superconducting coil assembly 11 to reach a superconducting state. Depending on the material of the superconducting coil assembly 11, the ambient temperature required to reach a superconducting state will vary, and the choice of cooling medium will also vary. In a prospective embodiment, the superconducting coil assembly 11 may be made of a high-temperature superconducting material, and correspondingly, the cooling medium may be other cooling media such as nitrogen.
[0080] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The superconducting magnet 10 may be provided with a pressure chamber 161. Before startup, after shutdown, or in a quench-free state, the pressure chamber 161 stores the high-pressure gaseous cooling medium within the superconducting magnet 10. The pressure chamber 161 may be partially or entirely located within the cryogenic holder 12. Furthermore, when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is operating (e.g., in a superconducting state), the temperature of the superconducting coil assembly is T1, and the temperature of the gaseous cooling medium in the pressure chamber is T2, where T2 - T1 ≥ 40 K. By way of example only, in an embodiment where the cooling medium is helium, T1 may, but is not limited to, be 4.2 K, and T2 may, but is not limited to, be greater than or equal to 50 K.
[0081] When the superconducting coil assembly 11 is operating, the gaseous cooling medium in the pressure chamber 161 has a relatively high temperature, such as 50K, 60K, or 70K and above. That is, the temperature of the gaseous cooling medium in the pressure chamber 161 can exceed the temperature of the superconducting coil assembly by more than 40K. Therefore, the total molar mass of the cooling medium in the superconducting magnet 10 is relatively small. Consequently, before startup, after shutdown, or in the quench-free state, the pressure on the pressure chamber 161 and the connected pipelines and chambers is relatively low, and the sealing and pressure-bearing requirements of the pipelines and chambers are lower. This helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet 10 and improve its reliability and safety. At the same time, since the pressure chamber 161 is partially or entirely located within the cryogenic holder 12, the pressure chamber 161 will not occupy or occupy little space outside the cryogenic holder 12. This helps to reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet 10, thereby reducing the difficulty of transportation and installation.
[0082] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The cryogenic holder 12 may include an outer container 121, and the superconducting coil assembly 11 may be disposed inside the outer container 121. By way of example only, the outer container 121 may be disposed on the outermost layer of the cryogenic holder 12 to provide mechanical support for the cryogenic holder 12 and maintain the internal vacuum environment.
[0083] The superconducting magnet 10 may include a gas storage tank 16, and the pressure chamber 161 may be the inner cavity of the gas storage tank. The gas storage tank 16 may be at least partially disposed within and connected to the outer container 121. Specifically, refer to... Figure 4 The outer container 121 may include an outer cylinder 1211, an inner cylinder 1212, and two end caps 1213. The inner cylinder 1212 may surround the axis S of the superconducting magnet, and the outer cylinder 1211 may surround the inner cylinder 1212. The two end caps 1213 may be arranged axially spaced, and the outer cylinder 1211 and the inner cylinder 1212 extend between the two end caps 1213 to form a cylindrical space 1214 together with the two end caps 1213. The gas storage tank 16 may be partially or wholly located within the cylindrical space 1214.
[0084] By utilizing the space within the outer container 121, the additional space occupied by the gas storage tank 16 is eliminated or reduced. This helps to reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet 10. Furthermore, since the gas storage tank 16 is partially or entirely located within the outer container 121, the outer container 121 will provide some protection for the gas storage tank 16, absorbing external vibrations and mitigating shocks, which helps to improve reliability and safety. Additionally, in embodiments where the gas storage tank 16 is entirely located within the outer container 121, the superconducting magnet 10 will achieve better aesthetic uniformity.
[0085] Based on this, the gas storage tank 16 will obtain reliable support and fixation by connecting to the outer container 121. Meanwhile, the outer container 121 is in direct or indirect contact with the external environment, thus enabling heat exchange. Therefore, when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is in a superconducting state, the outer container 121 still maintains a relatively high temperature, for example, close to room temperature. Because the gas storage tank 16 is connected to the outer container 121, the two will exchange heat to a certain extent, thereby maintaining the gaseous cold medium in the pressure chamber 161 at a relatively high temperature when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is in a superconducting state.
[0086] For ease of description, the directional term "axial" was mentioned above; the directional terms "circumferential" and "radial" will also be mentioned below. In this text, "axial" can refer to the direction of extension of the axis S of the superconducting magnet 10. "Circumferential" can refer to the circumferential direction around the axis S. "Radial" can refer to the direction extending through the axis S in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis S.
[0087] refer to Figure 4 The superconducting coil assembly 11 may include inner coils 111 and outer coils 112 surrounding the inner coils 111. By way of example only, the superconducting coil assembly 11 may include a plurality of inner coils 111 and a plurality of outer coils 112, the plurality of inner coils 111 being arranged spaced apart from each other along the axial direction, and the plurality of outer coils 112 also being arranged spaced apart from each other along the axial direction. By way of example only, the superconducting magnet 10 may also include a coil frame 110, on which the inner coils 111 and outer coils 112 may be wound.
[0088] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The gas storage tank 16 can be located radially outside the inner coil 111 and partially or entirely between the two outer coils 112. Accordingly, the space located radially outside the inner coil 111 and between the two outer coils 112 will be occupied by the gas storage tank 16, making efficient use of this previously unused space. This improves the utilization rate of the cylindrical space 1214 inside the outer container 121, allowing the gas storage tank 16 to be partially or entirely housed within the cylindrical space 1214 of the outer container 121 without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container 121.
[0089] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The gas storage tank 16 can be in the form of a long, narrow cylinder. For example, the gas storage tank 16 can have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the gas storage tank 16 can have a triangular, square, rectangular, elliptical, or other irregular or non-irregular cross-section, and this disclosure does not impose any particular limitation on this.
[0090] In the current embodiment, the gas storage tank 16 may extend in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction, and at least one of the two ends 162, 163 of the gas storage tank 16 may be connected to the outer cylinder 1211 of the outer container 121. In particular, both ends 162, 163 of the gas storage tank 16 may be connected to the outer cylinder 1211, and together with the outer cylinder 1211, define a cylindrical surface.
[0091] Since the gas storage tank 16 is located radially outside the inner coil 111 and partially or entirely between the two outer coils 112, the gas storage tank 16, extending in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction, more easily avoids the two outer coils 112, helping the gas storage tank 16 to achieve a greater length and thus a larger gas storage volume. Furthermore, by extending the gas storage tank 16 in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction and connecting at least one end to the outer cylinder 1211 of the outer container 121, the manufacturing difficulty of installing the gas storage tank 16 inside and connecting it to the outer container 121 is reduced.
[0092] By way of example only, during the manufacturing process, a through hole can be first made in the outer container 121. Then, the gas tank 16 is inserted into the outer container 121 through the through hole. Next, at least one of the two ends 162 and 163 of the gas tank 16 can be fixedly connected to the outer container 121 to form a seal, thereby obtaining a sealed pressure chamber 161.
[0093] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The superconducting magnet 10 may include multiple gas storage tanks 16, which may be arranged axially. By arranging multiple gas storage tanks 16 in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction, a larger proportion of the space located radially outside the inner coil and between the two outer coils will be utilized, further improving space utilization. Accordingly, a larger gas storage volume can be achieved without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container. With a larger gas storage volume, the gas storage tanks and the connected piping and chambers will experience lower gas pressure before startup, after shutdown, or in the quench-free state.
[0094] It is understood that this disclosure does not impose any particular limitation on the number of gas storage tanks 16. Although in Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the superconducting magnet 10 includes two gas storage tanks 16. However, in other embodiments of this disclosure, the superconducting magnet 10 may also include only one gas storage tank 16, or it may include three or more gas storage tanks 16.
[0095] Compared to being located outside the outer container 121, the gas storage tank 16 located inside the outer container 121 is closer to the superconducting coil assembly 11, with fewer spacers between them. With a closer distance and fewer spacers, thermal radiation from the gas storage tank 16 to the superconducting coil assembly 11 is more easily generated. To provide a stable cryogenic environment to the superconducting coil assembly 11, in some embodiments, the superconducting coil assembly 11 can be thermally isolated from the gas storage tank 16. By thermally isolating the superconducting coil assembly 11 from the gas storage tank 16, thermal radiation from the gas storage tank 16 to the superconducting coil assembly 11 can be isolated or significantly reduced.
[0096] To reduce the thermal radiation from the external environment to the superconducting coil 11, such as Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the cryogenic holder 10 may further include a shielding cylinder 122. The shielding cylinder 122 may be disposed between the outer container 121 and the superconducting coil assembly 11. That is, the outer container 121 may surround the shielding cylinder 122, and the shielding cylinder 122 may surround the superconducting coil assembly 11. The shielding cylinder 122 helps reduce thermal radiation from the external environment to the superconducting coil assembly 11, establishing and maintaining the cryogenic environment required for the superconducting coil assembly 11 to reach a superconducting state.
[0097] To make full use of space, the gas storage tank 16 can pass through the shielding cylinder 122 and extend into the inner side of the shielding cylinder 122. To isolate or reduce the heat radiation from the gas storage tank 16 to the superconducting coil assembly 11, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a first isolation cylinder 17 may be provided inside the shielding cylinder 122. At least one end of the first isolation cylinder 17 may be connected to the shielding cylinder 122 and form a first opening. The gas storage tank 16 may extend into the first isolation cylinder 17 through the first opening. The gas storage tank 16 and the superconducting coil assembly 11 may both be thermally insulated from the first isolation cylinder 17, for example, both may be spaced apart from the first isolation cylinder 17.
[0098] By extending into the first isolation cylinder 17, the gas storage tank 16 can extend into the inner side of the shielding cylinder 122 to utilize this space, which will further improve space utilization. At the same time, since both the gas storage tank 16 and the superconducting coil assembly 11 are thermally isolated from the first isolation cylinder 17, the thermal radiation from the gas storage tank 16 to the superconducting coil assembly 11 will be effectively isolated or significantly reduced.
[0099] To further reduce the thermal radiation from the external environment to the superconducting coil 11, such as Figure 3 and 4As shown, the cryogenic holder 10 may further include an inner container 123. The inner container 123 may be disposed between the shielding cylinder 122 and the superconducting coil assembly 11. That is, the shielding cylinder 122 may surround the inner container 123, and the inner container 123 may surround the superconducting coil assembly 11. The inner container 123 helps to further reduce the thermal radiation from the external environment to the superconducting coil assembly 11, establishing and maintaining the cryogenic environment required for the superconducting coil assembly 11 to reach a superconducting state.
[0100] To make better use of space, the gas storage tank 16 can also extend through the inner container 123 and into the inner side of the inner container 123. To further insulate or reduce the heat radiation from the gas storage tank 16 to the superconducting coil assembly 11, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a second isolation cylinder 18 may be provided inside the inner container 123. At least one end of the second isolation cylinder 18 may be connected to the inner container 123 and form a second opening. The first isolation cylinder 17 may extend into the second isolation cylinder 18 through the second opening. The first isolation cylinder 17 and the superconducting coil assembly 11 may both be thermally isolated from the second isolation cylinder 18, for example, both may be spaced apart from the second isolation cylinder 17.
[0101] Accordingly, the gas storage tank 16 can extend into the inner side of the inner container 123 to utilize this space, which will further improve space utilization. At the same time, since the first isolation cylinder 17 and the superconducting coil group 11 are both thermally isolated from the second isolation cylinder 18, the heat radiation from the gas storage tank 16 to the superconducting coil group 11 will be more effectively isolated or more significantly reduced.
[0102] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The superconducting magnet 11 also includes a piping system. By way of example only, the piping system can establish connections between the cold head cavity 151, the return liquid cavity 153, the pressure cavity 161, and the heat exchange structure 14. The piping system may include pipes 152, 154, 155, and 156, etc. Pipes 152 and 154 are connected to the heat exchange structure 14, pipe 155 is connected to the pressure cavity 161, and pipe 156 is connected to the cold head cavity 151; the four pipes converge and connect at one point.
[0103] refer to Figure 2 The superconducting magnet 10 may also include a reinforcing structure 124. The reinforcing structure 124 may be disposed on the outside of the outer container 121 and fixedly connected to the outer container 121 to help the superconducting magnet 10 obtain better structural strength.
[0104] The superconducting magnet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above by way of example. Other superconducting magnets according to other embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated below. Superconducting magnets in different embodiments within the context have many identical or similar elements (components or parts). For the purpose of brevity, identical or similar elements will be appropriately omitted by using the same reference numerals to avoid repetitive descriptions.
[0105] The superconducting magnet 10 according to another embodiment of this disclosure is substantially the same as the superconducting magnet 10 of the foregoing embodiment, the main difference being the arrangement of the gas storage tank 16. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the current embodiment, the gas storage tank 16 is partially or entirely located between the inner coil 111 and the outer coil 112. Accordingly, the space between the inner coil 111 and the outer coil 112 is occupied by the gas storage tank 16, making efficient use of this previously unused space. This improves the utilization rate of the cylindrical space 1214 within the outer container 121, allowing the gas storage tank 16 to be partially or entirely housed within the cylindrical space 1214 of the outer container 121 without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container 121.
[0106] Furthermore, continue to refer to 5 and Figure 6 The gas storage tank 16 can extend axially, and at least one of its two ends 162 and 163 can be connected to at least one end cap 1213 respectively. In particular, the two ends 162 and 163 of the gas storage tank 16 can be connected to two end caps 1213 respectively, and each of the two ends 162 and 163 can define a cylindrical surface together with the corresponding end cap 1213.
[0107] Since the gas storage tank 16 is located between the inner coil 111 and the outer coil 112, the axially extending gas storage tank 16 will avoid the inner coil 111 and the outer coil 112, helping the gas storage tank 16 to obtain a greater length and thus a larger gas storage volume. In addition, by extending the gas storage tank 16 axially and connecting at least one end of it to the end cap 1213 of the outer container 121, the manufacturing difficulty of installing the gas storage tank 16 inside the outer container 121 and connecting it to the outer container 121 is reduced.
[0108] By way of example only, during the manufacturing process, a through hole can be made in the outer container 121, through which the two end caps 1213 pass. Then, the gas tank 16 is inserted into the outer container 121 through the through hole. Next, one end of the gas tank 16, 162 and 163, can be fixedly connected to one end cap 1213 to form a seal, or the two ends of the gas tank 16, 162 and 163, can be fixedly connected to the two end caps 1213 respectively to form a seal, thereby obtaining a sealed pressure chamber 161.
[0109] It is understood that this disclosure does not impose any particular limitation on the number of gas storage tanks 16. Although in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the superconducting magnet 10 includes only one gas storage tank 16, but in other embodiments of this disclosure, the superconducting magnet 10 may also include multiple gas storage tanks 16. The multiple gas storage tanks 16 may be arranged circumferentially. By arranging multiple gas storage tanks 16 extending axially and circumferentially, a larger proportion of the space between the inner coil 111 and the outer coil 112 will be utilized, further improving space utilization. A larger gas storage volume is provided by arranging multiple gas storage tanks 16 as described above without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the outer container 121.
[0110] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the superconducting magnet 10 is in Figure 7 As shown in the image. (Reference) Figure 7 The cryogenic holder 12 includes an outer container 121 and a reinforcing structure 124. A superconducting coil assembly 11 is disposed inside the outer container. The reinforcing structure 124 is located outside the outer container 121 and connected to it. The reinforcing structure 124 includes a hollow reinforcing member 1241. In the current embodiment, the inner cavity of the hollow reinforcing member 1241 is the pressure chamber 161 for storing the gaseous cryogenic medium.
[0111] Because the hollow reinforcing member 1241 is located outside the outer container 121, it can directly or indirectly contact the external environment, thus enabling heat exchange. Therefore, when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is in a superconducting state, the hollow reinforcing member 1241 still maintains a relatively high temperature, for example, close to room temperature. Since the pressure chamber 161 is located inside the hollow reinforcing member 1241, when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is in a superconducting state, the gaseous cooling medium inside the pressure chamber 161 will be maintained at a relatively high temperature.
[0112] Meanwhile, the hollow reinforcing member 1241 not only helps improve the overall structural strength of the cryogenic holder 12, but also provides a pressure chamber 161 for storing gaseous cold media. The hollow reinforcing member 1241 serves multiple functions as a single component, which helps to reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet 10, simplify the structural complexity of the superconducting magnet 10, and reduce manufacturing costs.
[0113] Further reference Figure 7 The reinforcing structure 124 may further include two reinforcing ribs 1242. Each reinforcing rib 1242 may project radially outward from the outer periphery of the outer container 121 and extend circumferentially. The two reinforcing ribs 1242 may be spaced apart axially. A hollow reinforcing member 1241 may extend between and connect to the two reinforcing ribs 1242. The reinforcing structure 121 in this configuration helps the cryogenic retainer achieve high overall structural strength.
[0114] Further reference Figure 7 The reinforcing structure 124 may include multiple hollow reinforcing members 1241, which are arranged circumferentially between two reinforcing ribs 1242 at intervals. On one hand, by arranging the multiple hollow reinforcing members 1241 circumferentially between two reinforcing ribs 1242 at intervals, the reinforcing structure 124 helps the cryogenic retainer 11 achieve higher overall structural strength. On the other hand, the space between the two reinforcing ribs 1242 will be utilized at a higher proportion, further improving space utilization. Accordingly, a larger gas storage volume can be achieved without increasing or only slightly increasing the overall size of the cryogenic retainer 11.
[0115] Other embodiments of this disclosure also provide a superconducting magnet 10. (See reference...) Figures 2 to 7 The superconducting magnet 10 includes a superconducting coil assembly 11, a cryogenic holder 12, a circulation pipeline, and a pressure chamber 161. The cryogenic holder 12 includes an outer container 121 and a shielding cylinder 122. A cylindrical space 1214 is provided inside the outer container 121, and the shielding cylinder 122 is disposed within the cylindrical space 1214. The superconducting coil assembly 11 is disposed within the shielding cylinder 122. The circulation pipeline is thermally coupled to a refrigerator 13 to cool the superconducting coil assembly 11. The pressure chamber 161 is disposed within the cryogenic holder 12, thermally coupled to the outer container 121, and connected to the circulation pipeline via a pipeline 155. The pressure chamber 161 is used to balance sudden pressure increases within the circulation pipeline caused by the cooling medium changing from a liquid to a gaseous state.
[0116] According to the superconducting magnet 10 provided in this disclosure, since the pressure chamber 161 is located within the cryogenic holder, it occupies little or no space outside the cryogenic holder 12. This helps reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet 10, thereby reducing transportation and installation difficulties. Simultaneously, because the pressure chamber 161 is thermally coupled to the outer container 121, the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber 161 will have a higher temperature when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is operating, thus requiring a smaller molar mass of the cooling medium. Therefore, before startup, after shutdown, or in a quench-free state, the pressure on the pressure chamber 161 and its connected pipes and chambers is lower, thereby reducing the pressure-bearing and sealing requirements of these parts. This helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet 10 and improves its reliability and safety.
[0117] In one example, the circulation pipeline may include pipeline 152, pipeline 154, pipeline 156, and heat exchange structure 14, etc. That is, in this example, the heat exchange structure 14 may include a cold conductor pipe, which can be sleeved outside the superconducting coil, and the superconducting coil is connected to the refrigerator 13 through the cold conductor pipe for heat conduction.
[0118] In another example, the cryogenic holder 12 may also include an inner container 123. The inner container 123 may be disposed within the shielding cylinder 122. The inner container 123 may have a mounting space in which the superconducting coil assembly 11 may be mounted. Liquid cooling medium flows into the mounting space through a circulation pipe to cool the superconducting coil assembly 11. In this way, the liquid cooling medium can cool the superconducting coil assembly.
[0119] In one example, the cooling electrode 13 may be part of the superconducting magnet 10. In another example, the cooling electrode 13 may be an external cooling electrode, that is, the cooling electrode 13 may be a separate device located outside the superconducting magnet 10.
[0120] Other embodiments of this disclosure also provide a superconducting magnet 10. See again... Figures 2 to 7 The superconducting magnet 10 includes a superconducting coil assembly 11, a cryogenic holder 12, a circulation pipeline, a pressure chamber 161, and a pipeline 155. The cryogenic holder 12 includes an outer container 121 and a shielding cylinder 122. A cylindrical space 1214 is provided inside the outer container 121. The shielding cylinder 122 is disposed within the cylindrical space 1214. Figure 3 As shown, the outer container 121 has a through hole 1215, and the shielding cylinder 122 has a through hole 1221. The superconducting coil assembly 11 is disposed in the shielding cylinder 122. The circulation pipeline is thermally coupled to the refrigerator 13 to cool the superconducting coil assembly 11. The pressure chamber 161 is disposed in the cryogenic holder 12 and is thermally coupled to the outer container 121. The pipeline 155 passes sequentially through the through hole 1221 of the shielding cylinder 122 and the through hole 1215 of the outer container 121, thereby connecting the circulation pipeline and the pressure chamber 161. The cooling medium in the circulation pipeline can be released from the circulation pipeline to the pressure chamber 161 after changing from a liquid to a gaseous state.
[0121] According to the superconducting magnet 10 provided in this disclosure, since the pressure chamber 161 is located within the cryogenic holder 12, the pressure chamber 161 occupies little or no space outside the cryogenic holder 12. This helps to reduce the overall size of the superconducting magnet 10, thereby reducing transportation and installation difficulties. Simultaneously, because the pressure chamber 161 is thermally coupled to the outer container 121, the gaseous cooling medium within the pressure chamber 161 will have a higher temperature when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is operating, thus requiring a smaller molar mass of the cooling medium. Therefore, before startup, after shutdown, or in a quench-free state, the pressure on the pressure chamber 161 and its connected pipes and chambers is lower, thereby reducing the pressure-bearing and sealing requirements of these parts. This helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet 10 and improve its reliability and safety. Furthermore, the pipe 155 passes sequentially through the through hole 1221 of the shielding cylinder 122 and the through hole 1215 of the outer container 121, thereby connecting the circulation pipe with the pressure chamber 161. This structure has the advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing difficulty. Moreover, according to this structure, when the cold medium flows between the gas storage chamber 161 and the circulation pipe, it will pass through the pipe 155 located outside the outer container 121. This helps to ensure that the gaseous cold medium in the pressure chamber 161 will have a higher temperature when the superconducting coil assembly 11 is working, further reducing the molar mass of the required cold medium, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost of the superconducting magnet 10 and further improving the reliability and safety of the superconducting magnet 10.
[0122] It should be noted that the elements described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.
[0123] It should be understood that multiple components and / or parts can be provided by a single integrated component or part. Alternatively, a single integrated component or part can be divided into multiple separate components and / or parts. The use of the public designation "a" or "an" to describe a component or part does not imply the exclusion of other components or parts.
[0124] It should be understood that although terms such as “first” or “second” may be used in this disclosure to describe various elements (such as the first isolation cylinder and the second isolation cylinder), these elements are not defined by these terms, which are only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0125] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.
[0126] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A superconducting magnet, characterized in that, include: Low temperature holder; A superconducting coil assembly is disposed within the cryogenic holder; Pressure chamber, used to store gaseous cold medium; A refrigeration unit is used to cool and liquefy the gaseous cooling medium into a liquid cooling medium; A gas storage tank, wherein the pressure chamber is the inner cavity of the gas storage tank, and the cryogenic holder includes an outer container, wherein the gas storage tank is at least partially located inside the outer container and is connected to and thermally coupled to the outer container; as well as A heat exchange structure is provided, through which the liquid cooling medium exchanges heat with the superconducting coil assembly to cool the superconducting coil assembly. The pressure chamber is partially or entirely located within the cryogenic holder, and when the superconducting coil assembly is in operation, the temperature of the superconducting coil assembly is T1, the temperature of the gaseous cold medium within the pressure chamber is T2, and T2-T1≥40K.
2. The superconducting magnet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer container includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two end caps. The outer cylinder surrounds the inner cylinder, and the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder extend between the two end caps to jointly form a cylindrical space. The gas storage tank is partially or entirely located within the cylindrical space. The superconducting coil assembly includes an inner coil and an outer coil surrounding the inner coil. The two outer coils are arranged axially spaced apart. The gas storage tank is located radially outside the inner coil and partially or entirely between the two outer coils. The gas storage tank extends in a direction orthogonal or oblique to the axial direction, and at least one end is connected to the outer cylinder.
3. The superconducting magnet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer container includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two end caps. The outer cylinder surrounds the inner cylinder, and the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder extend between the two end caps to jointly form a cylindrical space. The gas storage tank is partially or entirely located within the cylindrical space. The superconducting coil assembly includes an inner coil and an outer coil surrounding the inner coil. The gas storage tank is partially or entirely located between the inner coil and the outer coil. The gas storage tank extends axially, and at least one end is connected to at least one of the two end caps.
4. The superconducting magnet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic holder also includes a shielding cylinder, which is disposed between the outer container and the superconducting coil assembly. A first isolation cylinder is provided inside the shielding cylinder. At least one end of the first isolation cylinder is connected to the shielding cylinder and forms a first opening. The gas storage tank extends into the first isolation cylinder through the first opening. Both the gas storage tank and the superconducting coil assembly are thermally isolated from the first isolation cylinder.
5. The superconducting magnet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cryogenic holder also includes an inner container, which is disposed between the shielding cylinder and the superconducting coil assembly. A second isolation cylinder is provided on the inner side of the inner container. At least one end of the second isolation cylinder is connected to the inner container and forms a second opening. The first isolation cylinder extends into the second isolation cylinder through the second opening. The first isolation cylinder and the superconducting coil assembly are both thermally isolated from the second isolation cylinder.
6. The superconducting magnet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic holder includes an outer container and a reinforcing structure. The superconducting coil assembly is located inside the outer container, and the reinforcing structure is located on the outside of the outer container and connected to it. The reinforcing structure includes a hollow reinforcing member, and the pressure chamber is the inner cavity of the hollow reinforcing member.
7. A superconducting magnet, characterized in that, include: A cryogenic holder includes an outer container and a shielding cylinder, wherein the outer container has a cylindrical space inside, and the shielding cylinder is disposed in the cylindrical space; A superconducting coil assembly is housed within the shielding cylinder; A circulation pipeline is thermally coupled to a refrigerator to cool the superconducting coil assembly; The pressure chamber is located in the cryogenic holder, thermally coupled to the outer container, and connected to the circulation pipeline through a pipeline. The pressure chamber is used to balance the internal pressure surge of the circulation pipeline caused by the change of the cold medium from liquid to gas.
8. The superconducting magnet according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cryogenic holder also includes an inner container, which is disposed in the shielding cylinder. The inner container has a placement space, in which the superconducting coil assembly is placed. The liquid cooling medium flows into the placement space through the circulation pipeline to cool the superconducting coil assembly.
9. A superconducting magnet, characterized in that, include: A cryogenic holder includes an outer container and a shielding cylinder. The outer container has a cylindrical space inside, and the shielding cylinder is disposed in the cylindrical space. Both the outer container and the shielding cylinder are provided with through holes. A superconducting coil assembly is housed within the shielding cylinder; A circulation pipeline is thermally coupled to a refrigerator to cool the superconducting coil assembly; A pressure chamber is located within the cryogenic holder and is thermally coupled to the outer container; The pipeline passes sequentially through the through-hole of the shielding cylinder and the through-hole of the outer container, thereby connecting the circulation pipeline with the pressure chamber. The cooling medium in the circulation pipeline can be released from the circulation pipeline to the pressure chamber after changing from a liquid to a gaseous state.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Superconducting magnet, refrigerating mechanism thereof and heat transfer unit of refrigerating mechanism
CN220085762U