A superconducting connection structure for magnetic confinement fusion reactors
By combining the upper and lower connector assemblies with the design of U-grooves and lateral bolts, the problem of insufficient positioning accuracy of superconducting connectors is solved, realizing a high-precision and long-life superconducting connection structure, and enhancing mechanical stability and cooling efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEFEI INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing superconducting connectors suffer from insufficient positioning accuracy during the process of improving current carrying capacity, which affects mechanical stability and service life.
The system employs an upper and lower connector assembly combined with a U-shaped groove and pressure plate structure, along with lateral bolts and overlapping gaskets, to achieve precise positioning of the connector; the electrical testing mechanism performs real-time detection through a wrapping tape and a high-voltage potential line; and the insulation and filling layers improve structural stability and sealing.
It significantly improves the lap positioning accuracy and mechanical stability of superconducting joints, extends service life, and enhances the reliability of cooling effect and electrical performance.
Smart Images

Figure CN122178124B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the connection structure of superconducting cables, and in particular to a superconducting connection structure for magnetic confinement fusion reactors. Background Technology
[0002] Thermonuclear fusion, as a highly promising clean energy technology, holds the promise of providing humanity with an inexhaustible supply of clean energy. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project has entered a critical implementation phase, and related technical challenges are being gradually overcome. Among these challenges, the superconducting connection structure, as a core component connecting the superconducting magnet to key components such as the power supply feeder, plays a crucial role in conducting current and connecting the cooling circuit. Its performance stability directly determines the safe and efficient operation of the entire fusion device.
[0003] However, as the current-carrying capacity of superconducting joints continues to increase, the magnetic force on the superconducting joints becomes greater, which can easily lead to uncorrectable deviations during the joint splicing process. This results in an inherent defect of insufficient positioning accuracy, which in turn affects the current-carrying performance, mechanical stability, and service life of the joints, thus limiting the further improvement of the current-carrying capacity of superconducting joints.
[0004] Therefore, improving the lap positioning accuracy of superconducting joints has become a key technical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to improve the lap positioning accuracy of superconducting joints.
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a superconducting connection structure for a magnetic confinement fusion reactor, comprising: a lower connector assembly, an upper connector assembly, an insulating layer, an electrical measurement mechanism, and a connection mechanism; the connection mechanism includes a U-shaped groove, with the lower connector assembly disposed within the U-shaped groove and the upper connector assembly positioned above it; a pressure plate is connected above the U-shaped groove, the pressure plate being used to restrict the displacement of the upper connector assembly in the height direction; an upper superconducting cable is disposed within the upper connector assembly, a lower superconducting cable is disposed within the lower connector assembly, and an overlap gasket is provided between the upper and lower connector assemblies. The plate is used to fill the overlap gap between the upper connector assembly and the lower connector assembly; the width of the upper connector assembly is smaller than the width of the U-shaped groove, and threaded holes are opened on both side walls of the U-shaped groove. Lateral bolts are threaded into the threaded holes and pass through the threaded holes into the interior of the U-shaped groove. The lateral bolts abut against the side wall of the upper connector assembly; the measuring end of the electrical measuring mechanism is attached to the outside of the upper connector assembly and the lower connector assembly; the insulating layer is sleeved on the outside of the upper connector assembly, the lower connector assembly, the connecting mechanism, and the electrical measuring mechanism, and the output end of the electrical measuring mechanism passes through the outside of the insulating layer.
[0007] In one embodiment, an adjusting pad is provided between the lateral bolt and the sidewall of the upper connector assembly.
[0008] In one embodiment, the electrical testing mechanism includes a wrapping tape and a high-voltage potential line. The wrapping tape serves as the measuring end, surrounding the upper connector assembly and the lower connector assembly. One end of the high-voltage potential line is connected to the wrapping tape, and the other end of the high-voltage potential line serves as the output end, extending to the outside of the insulation layer.
[0009] In one embodiment, a first limiting plate is provided at the end of the U-shaped groove facing the first direction, and a second limiting plate is provided at the end of the pressure plate facing the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite. The first limiting plate and the second limiting plate are both connected to their respective ends by clamping screws. The first limiting plate is higher than the bottom of the U-shaped groove, and the second limiting plate is lower than the bottom of the pressure plate. The first limiting plate is used to adjust or limit the displacement of the lower connector assembly along the length direction, and the second limiting plate is used to adjust or limit the displacement of the upper connector assembly along the length direction.
[0010] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the pressure plate is provided with a boss facing downwards. The boss is used to abut against the upper connector assembly, and the height of the boss is calculated based on the heights of the upper connector assembly and the lower connector assembly.
[0011] In one embodiment, the upper connector assembly includes an upper connector housing and an upper connector housing cover, with an upper superconducting cable disposed between the upper connector housing and the upper connector housing cover; the lower connector assembly includes a lower connector housing and a lower connector housing cover, with a lower superconducting cable disposed between the lower connector housing and the lower connector housing cover.
[0012] In one embodiment, the lower connector box cover is located at the bottom of the U-shaped groove, and the lower connector box body is located above the lower connector box cover. A first channel extending vertically is provided on the lower connector box body. The liquid cooling channel in the upper superconducting cable is connected to the first channel via an external pipe. A second channel extends from the first channel in the width direction of the lower connector box body, and a third channel extends downward from the second channel of the lower connector box body. A first recess is provided below the third channel, and a second recess is provided correspondingly above the lower connector box cover. Both the first and second recesses extend in the length direction. The first and second recesses are joined together to form a fourth channel extending in the length direction. One end of the fourth channel is connected to the third channel, and the other end of the fourth channel is connected to the liquid cooling channel in the lower superconducting cable.
[0013] In one embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the lower connector box body and the lower connector box cover, and the sealing element is located on the side of the fourth channel near the U-shaped groove.
[0014] In one embodiment, the insulating layer is further provided with an insulating filler block and a filler layer. The insulating filler block is used to process the lower connector assembly and the upper connector assembly into a regular shape to facilitate wrapping the insulating layer. The filler layer is used to fill the gaps between the lower connector assembly, the upper connector assembly, and the connecting mechanism.
[0015] In one embodiment, the insulating layer is prepared by a pre-impregnation insulation process, an atmospheric pressure immersion impregnation process, or a vacuum pressure impregnation process.
[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the superconducting connection structure for magnetic confinement fusion reactors according to embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages: The superconducting connection structure of this invention adopts an upper connector assembly and a lower connector assembly assembled vertically. The two connector assemblies each have a built-in superconducting cable and are additionally equipped with a connection mechanism. The U-shaped groove of the connection mechanism provides bottom and width direction restriction for the lower connector assembly, while the pressure plate presses the upper connector assembly onto the lower connector assembly. The overlapping gasket between the two fills the overlapping gap and eliminates assembly errors in the height direction.
[0017] Meanwhile, since the upper connector assembly is relatively narrow, it has the capability to move along the width direction. Therefore, a large lateral bolt can be used to match the threaded hole on the U-shaped groove to adjust the displacement of the upper connector assembly relative to the lower connector assembly in the width direction, thereby eliminating deviation in the width direction. Due to the self-locking characteristic of the lateral bolt, it can fix and limit displacement after adjustment.
[0018] As can be seen, the present invention provides a fixed foundation through the U-shaped groove and pressure plate assembled on the upper and lower parts. Combined with the overlapping gasket and lateral bolts, it can correct the deviation in the height and width directions as needed during the joint overlapping process. Even when subjected to a large magnetic field force, it can achieve precise overlapping. Compared with the prior art, it has greatly improved the overlapping positioning accuracy of the superconducting joint. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a superconducting connection structure for a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 This is an exemplary internal structural diagram of a superconducting connection structure for a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view at point AA of a superconducting connection structure for a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as exemplarily shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooling medium flow direction of a superconducting connection structure for a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as exemplarily shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view at the BB section of a superconducting connection structure for a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as exemplarily shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a connection mechanism for a superconducting connection structure used in a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as exemplarily shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical measurement mechanism for a superconducting connection structure used in a magnetic confinement fusion reactor, as exemplarily shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 8 This is a simplified diagram of a cooling medium flow channel for a superconducting connection structure used in a magnetically confined fusion reactor, as exemplarily shown in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure label: 1. Lower connector assembly; 2. Upper connector assembly; 3. Insulation layer; 4. Electrical testing mechanism; 5. Connection mechanism; 11. Lower superconducting cable; 12. Lower connector box; 13. Lower connector box cover; 14. Seal; 21. Upper superconducting cable; 22. Upper connector box; 23. Upper connector box cover; 24. External pipe; 31. Insulating filler block; 32. Filler layer; 41. Wrapping tape; 42. High voltage potential line; 51. U-shaped groove; 52. Pressure plate; 53. Overlap gasket; 54. Side bolt; 55. Adjusting pad; 56. First limiting plate; 57. Second limiting plate; 58. Clamping screw; 121. First channel; 122. Second channel; 123. Third channel; 124. Fourth channel; 131. Second notch; 511. Threaded hole; 521. Boss; 1231. First notch. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0029] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various structures in this invention, these structures should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish structures of the same type from each other. For example, a first structure may also be referred to as a second structure without departing from the scope of this invention, and similarly, a second structure may also be referred to as a first structure. Depending on the context, the word "if," as used herein, can be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination." In this invention, the width direction refers to... Figure 3 or Figure 5 The left and right directions in the sectional view shown refer to the length direction as follows: Figure 1 or Figure 2 The left and right directions in the front view shown refer to the left and right directions, while the height direction refers to the up and down directions relative to the text orientation in any attached drawing.
[0030] Thermonuclear fusion, as a promising clean energy technology, can provide mankind with an inexhaustible supply of clean energy. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project has now entered a critical implementation phase, and related technical challenges are being continuously tackled and resolved.
[0031] As the core component connecting the superconducting magnet and the power supply feeder, the superconducting connection structure plays an important role in current conduction and cooling circuit connection. Its performance stability directly determines whether the nuclear fusion device can operate safely and efficiently.
[0032] However, as the current-carrying capacity of superconducting joints continues to increase, the magnetic field force they experience also increases significantly. Existing joints are prone to uncorrectable deviations during mechanical splicing, resulting in inherent problems of insufficient positioning accuracy. This, in turn, affects the current-carrying performance, mechanical stability, and service life of the joints, thus restricting further improvement in the current-carrying capacity of superconducting joints.
[0033] Therefore, how to effectively improve the lap positioning accuracy of superconducting joints has become a key technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field.
[0034] Therefore, in combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a superconducting connection structure for a magnetic confinement fusion reactor is provided. The superconducting connection structure includes a lower connector assembly 1, an upper connector assembly 2, an insulating layer 3, an electrical measurement mechanism 4, and a connection mechanism 5.
[0035] The connecting mechanism 5 includes a U-shaped groove 51, a lower connector assembly 1 disposed in the U-shaped groove 51, an upper connector assembly 2 disposed above the lower connector assembly 1, and a pressure plate 52 connected above the U-shaped groove 51. The pressure plate 52 is used to limit the displacement of the upper connector assembly 2 in the height direction.
[0036] The upper connector assembly 2 is provided with an upper superconducting cable 21, and the lower connector assembly 1 is provided with a lower superconducting cable 11. An overlap gasket 53 is provided between the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1. The overlap gasket 53 is used to fill the overlap gap between the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1.
[0037] The width of the upper connector assembly 2 is smaller than the width of the U-shaped groove 51. Threaded holes 511 are provided on both side walls of the U-shaped groove 51. A lateral bolt 54 is threaded into the threaded hole 511. The lateral bolt 54 passes through the threaded hole 511 into the interior of the U-shaped groove 51 and abuts against the side wall of the upper connector assembly 2.
[0038] The measuring end of the electrical measuring mechanism 4 is attached to the outside of the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1.
[0039] The insulating layer 3 is sleeved on the outside of the upper connector assembly 2, the lower connector assembly 1, the connecting mechanism 5 and the electrical testing mechanism 4, and the output end of the electrical testing mechanism 4 extends to the outside of the insulating layer 3.
[0040] It is easy to understand that the main purpose of this invention is to achieve adjustable deviation and controllable precision on the basis of realizing the conductive connection between the upper superconducting cable 21 and the lower superconducting cable 11. Therefore, in this invention, the upper connector assembly 2, the lower connector assembly 1 and the overlapping gasket 53 are all conductors, and the conductors can carry current after they come into contact with each other.
[0041] To achieve adjustable deviation and controllable accuracy, the present invention provides a U-shaped groove 51 structure in the above embodiments. The lower connector assembly 1 and the upper connector assembly 2 are sequentially installed in the U-shaped groove 51, and are initially fixed by a pressure plate 52. Based on this, lateral bolts 54 are provided on the sidewalls of the U-shaped groove 51. The lateral bolts 54 on both sides compress the upper connector assembly 2. Since the width of the upper connector assembly 2 is smaller than the internal width of the U-shaped groove 51, the displacement of the upper connector assembly 2 relative to the width direction of the U-shaped groove 51 can be finely adjusted by adjusting the lateral bolts 54. Since the lower connector assembly 1 is fixed relative to the U-shaped groove 51, this is equivalent to finely adjusting the relative displacement of the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1 in the width direction.
[0042] Furthermore, due to the presence of the overlapping gasket 53, the gap between the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1 can be filled during the initial fixing and subsequent adjustment processes, reducing the probability of increased contact resistance caused by fine-tuning. At the same time, it can effectively cope with processing errors and improve the accuracy of actual assembly.
[0043] It is understandable that during the adjustment of the lateral bolt 54, friction with the upper connector assembly 2 is inevitable. Since the upper connector assembly 2 is a key conductor through which current flows, its material is mainly designed to ensure conductivity, and therefore it may be prone to wear.
[0044] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, an adjusting pad 55 may be provided between the lateral bolt 54 and the side wall of the upper connector assembly 2.
[0045] By setting the adjusting shim 55, the pressure applied by the lateral bolt 54 can be evenly distributed, increasing the contact area with the upper connector assembly 2. Under the same pressure, the pressure can be reduced. Since the lateral bolt 54 does not directly contact the upper connector assembly 2, the upper connector assembly 2 is less likely to be worn, thus improving its service life and reducing structural damage.
[0046] In this invention, the electrical measuring mechanism 4 can be any type of measuring mechanism. Correspondingly, this invention also provides a corresponding electrical measuring mechanism 4, such as... Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the electrical testing mechanism 4 includes a wrapping tape 41 and a high-voltage potential line 42. The wrapping tape 41 serves as the measuring end, surrounding the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1. One end of the high-voltage potential line 42 is connected to the wrapping tape 41, and the other end of the high-voltage potential line 42 serves as the output end, extending to the outside of the insulating layer 3.
[0047] In conventional solutions, the mechanical overlapping positioning accuracy is insufficient, resulting in deviations that are difficult to correct. The common voltage measurement method can only detect poor contact and overheating at the joint, and by the time overheating is detected, it is already too late.
[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the wrapping tape 41 completely surrounds the upper and lower connector assemblies 1. If either the upper connector assembly 2 or the lower connector assembly 1 becomes loose or misaligned, the connection of the wrapping tape 41 will immediately change, and the detection circuit will detect it immediately. Therefore, it can provide early warning of mechanical structure loosening before electrical faults occur, thus preventing major accidents in advance.
[0049] Furthermore, since the accompanying band 41 is a complete circle with a large area of adhesion, it is more secure and will not easily shift even with a strong magnetic field. The large contact area also brings the advantage of stable signal and a lower probability of false alarms.
[0050] The high-voltage potential line 42 is only used for lead-out and does not participate in sensitive detection, making it more resistant to interference and more durable.
[0051] Furthermore, based on this embodiment, a dedicated line can be provided in the high-voltage potential line 42. One end of the dedicated line is directly connected to the lower connector assembly 1, and the other end of the dedicated line is led out as a connection detection head. Combined with the accompanying wrapping tape 41, a dual-path detection head design is formed, which improves the comprehensiveness and reliability of electrical performance parameter acquisition and is suitable for superconducting low-temperature high-pressure working scenarios.
[0052] To improve overall assembly accuracy, such as Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a first limiting plate 56 is provided at the end of the U-shaped groove 51 facing the first direction, and a second limiting plate 57 is provided at the end of the pressure plate 52 facing the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite. The first limiting plate 56 and the second limiting plate 57 are both connected to their respective ends by a clamping screw 58. The first limiting plate 56 is higher than the bottom of the U-shaped groove 51, and the second limiting plate 57 is lower than the bottom of the pressure plate 52. The first limiting plate 56 is used to adjust or limit the displacement of the lower connector assembly 1 along the length direction, and the second limiting plate 57 is used to adjust or limit the displacement of the upper connector assembly 2 along the length direction.
[0053] Since the first limiting plate 56 is higher than the bottom of the U-shaped groove 51, when the lower connector assembly 1 located at the bottom of the U-shaped groove 51 slides in the first direction, it will abut against the first limiting plate 56, thereby limiting the lower connector assembly 1 along the length direction. By adjusting the depth of the clamping screw 58 into the U-shaped groove 51, the displacement of the lower connector assembly 1 relative to the U-shaped groove 51 in the length direction can be adjusted.
[0054] Similarly, the second limiting plate 57 set on the pressure plate 52 is lower than the bottom of the pressure plate 52, which can make the upper connector assembly 2 slide in the second direction and adjust the depth of the corresponding clamping screw 58. It can also adjust the displacement of the upper connector assembly 2 relative to the U-shaped groove 51 in the length direction.
[0055] It is understood that the first and second directions are merely exemplary. In actual implementations, the first and second directions can be interchanged. Since the superconducting connection structure can also be reversed, the order of naming does not affect the implementation of the present invention.
[0056] like Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the pressure plate 52 is provided with a boss 521 facing downward. The boss 521 is used to abut against the upper connector assembly 2. The height of the boss 521 is calculated based on the heights of the upper connector assembly 2 and the lower connector assembly 1.
[0057] Since the pressure plate 52 is a separate part, the height of the boss 521 can be freely processed, and the specific calculation method is not limited in this invention. For example, the height of the boss 521 can be obtained by measuring the total height of the upper connector assembly 2, the lower connector assembly 1, and the overlapping gasket 53 as height one, measuring the height from the inner bottom to the top of the U-shaped groove 51 as height two, and measuring the height from the inner top to the bottom of the pressure plate 52 as height three. The height of the boss 521 can be obtained by summing height two and height three and then subtracting height one.
[0058] As the final component assembled from the conductor section, the size of the pressure plate 52 is determined to not affect the structural design of other components.
[0059] It is understandable that the main function of the pressure plate 52 and the U-shaped channel 51 is to fix and support, and their electrical conductivity requirements are relatively small. Therefore, the pressure plate 52 and the U-shaped channel 51 can be made of materials with higher strength.
[0060] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the upper connector assembly 2 may include an upper connector box 22 and an upper connector box cover 23, with the upper superconducting cable 21 disposed between the upper connector box 22 and the upper connector box cover 23. The lower connector assembly 1 includes a lower connector box 12 and a lower connector box cover 13, with the lower superconducting cable 11 disposed between the lower connector box 12 and the lower connector box cover 13.
[0061] By setting up two box-shaped structures, the upper and lower superconducting cables 11 are connected. This upper and lower connection mechanism 5 has a large contact area, a stable connection structure, and facilitates the opening of cooling channels.
[0062] Meanwhile, the box structure has a certain amount of vertical deformation space, so it has a certain tolerance for the diameter of the superconducting cable. Even if the dimensions of the upper connector assembly 2, the lower connector assembly 1, or the superconducting cable are slightly deviated due to processing precision, precise assembly can still be achieved under the pressing action of the pressure plate 52 and the U-shaped groove 51.
[0063] In addition, combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the lower connector box cover 13 is located at the bottom of the U-shaped groove 51, and the lower connector box body 12 is located above the lower connector box cover 13.
[0064] The lower connector box 12 has a first channel 121 extending in the vertical direction. The liquid cooling channel in the upper superconducting cable 21 is connected to the first channel 121 via an external pipe 24. The lower connector box 12 has a second channel 122 extending in the width direction from the first channel 121. The lower connector box 12 has a third channel 123 extending downward from the second channel 122.
[0065] The third channel 123 has a first recess 1231 below it and a second recess 131 is provided above the lower connector box cover 13. Both the first recess 1231 and the second recess 131 extend along the length direction. The first recess 1231 and the second recess 131 are joined together to form a fourth channel 124 extending along the length direction. One end of the fourth channel 124 is connected to the third channel 123, and the other end of the fourth channel 124 is connected to the liquid cooling channel in the lower superconducting cable 11.
[0066] Because the adjustable structure in this invention achieves precise alignment, an external pipe 24 can be introduced to connect the liquid cooling channels in the upper superconducting cable 21 and the lower superconducting cable 11, thereby enabling the passage of the cooling medium.
[0067] Furthermore, by cleverly utilizing the separate structure of the cover and the assembly, a first recess 1231 and a second recess 131 are provided. After the lower connector box 12 and the lower connector box cover 13 are assembled, a complete fourth channel 124 can be formed. By sequentially connecting the external pipe 24, the first channel 121, the second channel 122, the third channel 123 and the fourth channel 124, a flow direction is formed that first flows in the second direction, then downward, then in the width direction, then downward again, then in the second direction again, and finally back to the first direction. This creates multiple reversal flows, which significantly improves the cooling effect compared to the liquid cooling channels that are separately connected in the upper superconducting cable 21 and the lower superconducting cable 11.
[0068] It is understandable that, such as Figure 8As shown, the first channel 121 extends in the width direction to form the second channel 122, and extends downward on both sides to form the third channel 123. The flow area of the cooling medium is increased in the length, width and height directions, which greatly improves the heat exchange efficiency.
[0069] Attached Figure Figure 8 The information provided is only for understanding the orientation of each channel and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The length and diameter of the pipes are merely illustrative.
[0070] In a further embodiment, a seal 14 is provided between the lower connector housing 12 and the lower connector housing cover 13, and the seal 14 is located on the side of the fourth channel 124 near the U-shaped groove 51. The seal 14 can reduce the risk of leakage of the cooling medium.
[0071] In addition, in one embodiment, the insulating layer 3 is further provided with an insulating filler block 31 and a filler layer 32. The insulating filler block 31 is used to process the lower connector assembly 1 and the upper connector assembly 2 into a regular shape to facilitate wrapping the insulating layer 3. The filler layer 32 is used to fill the gap between the lower connector assembly 1, the upper connector assembly 2 and the connecting mechanism 5.
[0072] Insulating filler block 31 is used to fill the lower connector assembly 1 and upper connector assembly 2 in the overlapping state, so that the overall structure after the two overlaps presents a regular shape, such as... Figure 2 The cuboid shape in the example facilitates the subsequent wrapping of the insulation layer 3.
[0073] In this invention, the filling layer 32 can be made of insulating resin to fill the tiny gaps between the lower connector assembly 1, the upper connector assembly 2 and the connecting mechanism 5, further eliminating the structural loosening risks caused by the gaps and improving the overall structural stability and sealing.
[0074] In one embodiment, the insulating layer 3 is prepared by a pre-impregnation insulation process, an atmospheric pressure immersion impregnation process, or a vacuum pressure impregnation process.
[0075] These processes enable the insulation layer 3 to possess excellent low-temperature insulation performance and a resistance greater than 500 megohms under maximum overvoltage conditions. It can tightly wrap around the outside of the filled conductor portion, achieving reliable insulation isolation between the conductive components and the external structure, blocking current leakage, preventing the formation of stray loops, and simultaneously providing a sealing and protective function. It isolates external moisture, dust, and other impurities, preventing impurities from adhering and affecting the overlap stability and insulation performance, thus building a safety barrier for superconducting current transmission.
[0076] This invention provides a superconducting connection structure for magnetic confinement fusion reactors, comprising a lower connector assembly, an upper connector assembly, an insulating layer, an electrical testing mechanism, and a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism utilizes a U-shaped groove combined with a pressure plate and lateral bolts to achieve fixation and fine-tuning of the upper and lower connectors. Adjusting the displacement of the lateral bolts optimizes the displacement accuracy in the connector width direction. The electrical testing mechanism employs a combination of a wrapping tape and a high-voltage potential line, enabling real-time monitoring of the connector contact status and effectively warning of mechanical loosening risks. Furthermore, the structure incorporates sealing elements and a filling layer, enhancing structural sealing and insulation performance. The box-like structure facilitates precise connection of the upper and lower superconducting cables, optimizing the flow area and heat exchange efficiency of the cooling channels. This technology, through innovative structural design and intelligent adjustment mechanisms, achieves high-precision positioning, long lifespan, and strong sealing of the superconducting connector, providing reliable support for realizing high-energy-density clean energy.
[0077] This invention, through the combination of modular and adjustable connection methods and intelligent monitoring technology, solves the problems of insufficient precision and sealing in traditional mechanical connections, significantly improving the reliability and stability of superconducting components and laying a solid foundation for subsequent engineering applications.
[0078] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A superconducting connection structure for magnetic confinement fusion reactors, characterized in that, include: The lower connector assembly (1), the upper connector assembly (2), the insulation layer (3), the electrical testing mechanism (4), and the connection mechanism (5); The connecting mechanism (5) includes a U-shaped groove (51), the lower connector assembly (1) is disposed in the U-shaped groove (51), the upper connector assembly (2) is disposed above the lower connector assembly (1), and a pressure plate (52) is connected above the U-shaped groove (51). The pressure plate (52) is used to limit the displacement of the upper connector assembly (2) in the height direction. The upper connector assembly (2) is provided with an upper superconducting cable (21), and the lower connector assembly (1) is provided with a lower superconducting cable (11). An overlap gasket (53) is provided between the upper connector assembly (2) and the lower connector assembly (1). The overlap gasket (53) is used to fill the overlap gap between the upper connector assembly (2) and the lower connector assembly (1). The width of the upper connector assembly (2) is smaller than the width of the U-shaped groove (51). Threaded holes (511) are provided on both side walls of the U-shaped groove (51). A lateral bolt (54) is threaded into the threaded hole (511). The lateral bolt (54) passes through the threaded hole (511) into the interior of the U-shaped groove (51). The lateral bolt (54) abuts against the side wall of the upper connector assembly (2). The measuring end of the electrical measuring mechanism (4) is attached to the outside of the upper connector assembly (2) and the lower connector assembly (1); The insulating layer (3) is sleeved on the outside of the upper connector assembly (2), the lower connector assembly (1), the connecting mechanism (5) and the electrical measuring mechanism (4), and the output end of the electrical measuring mechanism (4) extends to the outside of the insulating layer (3).
2. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adjusting pad (55) is provided between the lateral bolt (54) and the side wall of the upper connector assembly (2).
3. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical measuring mechanism (4) includes a wrapping tape (41) and a high-voltage potential line (42). The wrapping tape (41) serves as the measuring end, surrounding the upper connector assembly (2) and the lower connector assembly (1). One end of the high-voltage potential line (42) is connected to the wrapping tape (41), and the other end of the high-voltage potential line (42) serves as the output end, extending to the outside of the insulating layer (3).
4. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The U-shaped groove (51) is provided with a first limiting plate (56) at the end facing the first direction, and the pressure plate (52) is provided with a second limiting plate (57) at the end facing the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite. The first limiting plate (56) and the second limiting plate (57) are both connected to the corresponding ends by a clamping screw (58). The first limiting plate (56) is higher than the bottom of the U-shaped groove (51), and the second limiting plate (57) is lower than the bottom of the pressure plate (52). The first limiting plate (56) is used to adjust or limit the displacement of the lower connector assembly (1) along the length direction, and the second limiting plate (57) is used to adjust or limit the displacement of the upper connector assembly (2) along the length direction.
5. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the pressure plate (52) is provided with a boss (521) facing downward. The boss (521) is used to abut against the upper connector assembly (2). The height of the boss (521) is calculated based on the height of the upper connector assembly (2) and the lower connector assembly (1).
6. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper connector assembly (2) includes an upper connector box body (22) and an upper connector box cover (23), and the upper superconducting cable (21) is disposed between the upper connector box body (22) and the upper connector box cover (23). The lower connector assembly (1) includes a lower connector box body (12) and a lower connector box cover (13), and the lower superconducting cable (11) is disposed between the lower connector box body (12) and the lower connector box cover (13).
7. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lower connector box cover (13) is located at the bottom of the U-shaped groove (51), and the lower connector box body (12) is located above the lower connector box cover (13); The lower connector box (12) has a first channel (121) extending vertically. The liquid cooling channel in the upper superconducting cable (21) is connected to the first channel (121) via an external pipe (24). The lower connector box (12) has a second channel (122) extending from the first channel (121) in the width direction. The lower connector box (12) has a third channel (123) extending downward from the second channel (122). The third channel (123) has a first recess (1231) below it and a second recess (131) is provided above the lower connector box cover (13). The first recess (1231) and the second recess (131) both extend along the length direction. The first recess (1231) and the second recess (131) are joined together to form a fourth channel (124) extending along the length direction. One end of the fourth channel (124) is connected to the third channel (123), and the other end of the fourth channel (124) is connected to the liquid cooling channel in the lower superconducting cable (11).
8. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, A sealing element (14) is provided between the lower connector box body (12) and the lower connector box cover (13), and the sealing element (14) is located on the side of the fourth channel (124) near the U-shaped groove (51).
9. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating layer (3) is further provided with an insulating filler block (31) and a filler layer (32). The insulating filler block (31) is used to process the lower connector assembly (1) and the upper connector assembly (2) into a regular shape to facilitate wrapping the insulating layer (3). The filler layer (32) is used to fill the gap between the lower connector assembly (1), the upper connector assembly (2) and the connecting mechanism (5).
10. The superconducting connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulation layer (3) is prepared by pre-impregnation insulation process, atmospheric pressure immersion impregnation process or vacuum pressure impregnation process.