Independent superconducting accelerator including cooling re-liquefaction module

Abstract

An independent superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to the present invention comprises: a chamber; an acceleration tube provided inside the chamber, having a cavity formed therein, and made of a superconductor; a cooling jacket surrounding the outside of the acceleration tube and filled with a coolant; and a cooling re-liquefaction module provided inside the chamber and connected to the cooling jacket to supply the coolant to the cooling jacket, wherein the cooling re-liquefaction module includes: a storage tank connected to the cooling jacket and storing a liquid or gaseous coolant; and a cooler installed in the storage tank and causing the phase change of the gaseous coolant stored in the storage tank into a liquid coolant.

Description

A standalone superconducting accelerator with a cooling reliquefaction module

[0001] The present invention relates to a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module, and more particularly, to a superconducting accelerator including a cooler capable of liquefying a gaseous coolant inside the accelerator, and capable of being used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant by changing the phase of the gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through the cooler inside the accelerator.

[0002] A superconducting accelerator is a device that accelerates charged particles such as electrons, protons, and heavy ions through a superconducting accelerator tube with a cavity formed therein. The superconducting accelerator tube of a superconducting accelerator uses a conductive material to form an empty cavity inside.

[0003] When an electromagnetic wave is applied to an empty cavity, a strong electric field can be generated at a specific location inside the accelerator through radio frequency (RF) resonance, and this electric field is used to accelerate charged particles.

[0004] Superconducting accelerators have high acceleration performance because the dissipated heat is significantly lower than that of normal conducting accelerators, but a cryogenic environment (approximately -269 degrees Celsius or lower) is required to maintain the superconductivity of niobium (Nb), the material used in superconducting accelerators.

[0005] Conventionally, to maintain the superconducting accelerator tube's superconducting properties, the superconducting accelerator was connected to a separate cooling plant. Specifically, the superconducting cooling plant was installed in a separate building from the superconducting accelerator, and coolant was supplied from the superconducting cooling plant to the superconducting accelerator tube, thereby cooling it.

[0006] However, if a separate superconducting cooling plant is used to cool the superconducting accelerator tube, which is separated from the superconducting accelerator, there is a problem that there are restrictions on the location where the superconducting accelerator can be used.

[0007] Specifically, in order to use a superconducting accelerator, a separate superconducting cooling plant must be installed, and there was a problem that it was difficult to use a superconducting accelerator in places where a separate superconducting cooling plant was not installed.

[0008] Additionally, there are the costs of designing and building a separate superconducting cooling plant, maintaining the plant, and the personnel costs for developing and managing the plant. Furthermore, there are the challenges of securing space for the superconducting cooling plant and installing piping lines for the supply and recovery of coolant between the superconducting cooling plant and the superconducting accelerator.

[0009] In addition, there is a problem in that it is difficult to move the superconducting accelerator to the required location and use it, as a separate superconducting cooling plant facility must be installed to use the superconducting accelerator.

[0010] In the case of accelerators built using only superconducting accelerators without using superconducting accelerators in the past, superconducting accelerators are essential to upgrade to a more advanced accelerator.

[0011] Adding a superconducting accelerator requires a separate building to house the superconducting cooling plant, as well as space for piping to transport coolant between the superconducting cooling plant and the superconducting accelerator. Thus, adding a superconducting accelerator to a conventional accelerator presents the challenges of spatial constraints and excessive costs.

[0012] Furthermore, additional research and development is needed on the design, installation, and maintenance of superconducting cooling plants suitable for superconducting accelerators, and the associated personnel costs are significant. The time required to build and commission a superconducting cooling plant can also limit the adoption of superconducting accelerators.

[0013] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and more specifically, relates to a superconducting accelerator that is provided with a cooler capable of liquefying a gaseous coolant inside the accelerator, and that can be used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant by changing the phase of the gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through the cooler inside the accelerator.

[0014] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment comprises: an acceleration tube using a superconductor, comprising: a chamber; an acceleration tube provided inside the chamber, the acceleration tube having a cavity formed therein and made of a superconductor; a cooling jacket surrounding the outside of the acceleration tube and filled with a coolant; and a cooling reliquefaction module provided inside the chamber, connected to the cooling jacket and supplying the coolant to the cooling jacket; wherein the cooling reliquefaction module comprises: a storage tank connected to the cooling jacket, the storage tank storing a liquid or gaseous coolant; and a cooler installed in the storage tank, the cooler changing the phase of the gaseous coolant stored in the storage tank into a liquid coolant.

[0015] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment is connected to the chamber and includes a first gas supply unit for supplying a gaseous coolant to the chamber, and the gaseous coolant supplied through the first gas supply unit can be stored in the storage tank.

[0016] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment includes a first pipe extending from the first gas supply unit to the chamber, a second pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to the storage tank, wherein a gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank through the first gas supply unit is cooled and liquefied through the cooler, and when a designated amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank, the first gas supply unit can be separated from the chamber.

[0017] A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment may include a third pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to the cooling jacket.

[0018] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to one embodiment may include a pre-cooler provided in the first pipe, and a fourth pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to the storage tank.

[0019] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to one embodiment includes a first control valve installed in the first pipe to open and close the first pipe, a second control valve installed in the second pipe to open and close the second pipe, a third control valve installed in the third pipe to open and close the third pipe, and a fourth control valve installed in the fourth pipe, wherein the fourth control valve may be formed as a check valve.

[0020] When a gaseous coolant is supplied from the first gas supply unit of a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to one embodiment, the first pipe is opened through the first control valve, the second pipe is closed through the second control valve, and the third pipe is opened through the third control valve, and the gaseous coolant supplied from the first gas supply unit moves through the first pipe to the third pipe, and then passes through the cooling jacket and the storage tank and passes through the fourth pipe to be circulated to the first pipe, and the gaseous coolant circulated through the pre-cooler provided in the first pipe can be cooled.

[0021] When the storage tank of the standalone superconducting accelerator including the cooling re-liquefaction module according to one embodiment reaches a specified temperature, the second pipe is opened through the second control valve, the third pipe is closed through the third control valve, and the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank through the cooler is cooled and liquefied.

[0022] When a specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank of a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment, the first gas supply unit can be separated from the chamber.

[0023] In one embodiment, the storage tank of the standalone superconducting accelerator device including the cooling re-liquefaction module is provided with a first pressure regulating pipe extending to the outside, and the first pressure regulating pipe may be provided with a first check valve.

[0024] The cooling jacket of the standalone superconducting accelerator including the cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment may be provided with a second pressure regulating pipe extending externally, and the second pressure regulating pipe may be provided with a second check valve.

[0025] A standalone superconducting accelerator device including a cooling reliquefaction module according to one embodiment may include a heater connected to the storage tank and configured to heat the storage tank.

[0026] The present invention relates to a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module, which comprises a cooler capable of liquefying a gaseous coolant inside the accelerator, and by changing the phase of the gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through the cooler inside the accelerator and storing the liquid coolant in a storage tank, the superconducting accelerator has the advantage of being able to be used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant.

[0027] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of allowing the superconducting accelerator to be moved to a required location and used regardless of the location of the cooling plant or the location of the pipe connected to the cooling plant by storing the liquid coolant in a storage tank by changing the phase of the gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through a cooler inside the accelerator.

[0028] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of not requiring a separate superconducting cooling plant facility by changing a gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through a cooler inside the accelerator and storing the liquid coolant in a storage tank, thereby enabling the superconducting accelerator to be used without location restrictions.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing liquefaction of a gaseous coolant in a storage tank through a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a first pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention, a second pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to a storage tank, and a third pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to a cooling jacket.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing pre-cooling of a cooling jacket and a storage tank through a pre-cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing liquefaction of a gaseous coolant in a storage tank through a cooler after pre-cooling a cooling jacket and a storage tank through a pre-cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a storage tank equipped with a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a heat shield provided between a chamber and an accelerator tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] This specification clarifies the scope of the present invention and explains the principles of the invention and discloses embodiments thereof to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

[0037] Expressions such as “includes” or “may include” that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention indicate the existence of the disclosed function, operation, or component, etc., and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components, etc. In addition, in various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the existence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] When a component is referred to as being "connected, coupled" to another component, it should be understood that while the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, there may also be a new component between the component and the other component. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that no new component exists between the component and the other component.

[0039] The terms first, second, etc. used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0040] The present invention relates to a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module, and relates to a superconducting accelerator that can be used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant by providing a cooler capable of liquefying a gaseous coolant inside the accelerator, and changing the phase of the gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through the cooler inside the accelerator.

[0041] A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that modularizes the components necessary to maintain the ultra-low temperature environment of a superconducting accelerator tube into a cooling reliquefaction module and applies them to the accelerator. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a chamber (110), an acceleration tube (120), and a cooling reliquefaction module (140).

[0043] The chamber (110) may have a space provided therein, and the acceleration tube (120) and the cooling re-liquefaction module (140) may be provided inside the chamber (110). The chamber (110) may be formed as a vacuum chamber, and various devices for operating a superconducting accelerator may be connected to the chamber (110).

[0044] The above acceleration tube (120) is provided inside the chamber (110), has a cavity (121) formed inside, and is made of a superconductor. The acceleration tube (120) has the cavity (121) formed inside, and the acceleration tube (120) may be a tube that accelerates charged particles such as electrons, protons, and heavy ions.

[0045] Specifically, when an electromagnetic wave is applied to the cavity (121) of the accelerator tube (120), a strong electric field can be generated at a specific location inside the accelerator tube (120) through RF (radio frequency) resonance, and charged particles can be accelerated using this electric field.

[0046] The above acceleration tube (120) may be made of a superconductor. If the above acceleration tube (120) is made of a superconductor, the dissipated heat is significantly lower than that of a normal conducting acceleration tube, thereby enabling high acceleration performance.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the acceleration tube (120) may be made of niobium (Nb). In order to maintain the superconductivity of the acceleration tube (120) made of niobium (Nb, niobium), a cryogenic environment (approximately -269 degrees Celsius or lower) may be required. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the acceleration tube (120) may be made of other superconductors.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cavity (121) may be formed in various shapes such as a quarter wave resonator (QWR), a half wave resonator (HWR), a single spoke resonator (SSR), an elliptical shape, etc., depending on the resonance frequency of the accelerator (120) determined according to the requirements of the accelerated particles and the accelerator.

[0049] The cooling jacket (130) surrounds the outside of the acceleration tube (120) and is filled with a coolant. The cooling jacket (130) is provided with a space in which the coolant can be filled, and the cooling jacket (130) may surround the outside of the acceleration tube (120). When the cooling jacket (130) is filled with a coolant, heat exchange occurs between the coolant and the outside of the acceleration tube (120), thereby cooling the acceleration tube (120).

[0050] The above cooling reliquefaction module (140) is provided inside the chamber (110) and is connected to the cooling jacket (130) so as to supply a coolant to the cooling jacket (130). Referring to Fig. 1, the cooling reliquefaction module (140) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a storage tank (150) and a cooler (160).

[0051] The above storage tank (150) is connected to the cooling jacket (130) and stores a liquid or gaseous coolant. The storage tank (150) is provided inside the chamber (110), and the storage tank (150) may be a tank having a space for storing a liquid or gaseous coolant.

[0052] The above storage tank (150) can be connected to the cooling jacket (130), and the liquid or gaseous coolant stored in the storage tank (150) can be supplied to the cooling jacket (130).

[0053] The cooler (160) is installed in the storage tank (150) and can change the phase of the gaseous coolant stored in the storage tank (150) into a liquid coolant. Specifically, the cooler (160) can be installed on the upper portion of the storage tank (150), and the gaseous coolant stored in the storage tank (150) can be changed into a liquid coolant through the cooler (160).

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the acceleration tube (120) may be made of niobium (Nb, niobium), and in order to maintain the superconductivity of the acceleration tube (120) made of niobium (Nb, niobium), a temperature of about -269 degrees Celsius may be required.

[0055] The gaseous and liquid coolant for cooling the accelerator tube (120) made of niobium (Nb) may be helium (He), and the cooler (160) may be a cooler having a performance capable of cooling to 4K (approximately -269 degrees Celsius).

[0056] Hereinafter, the above accelerator tube (120) is made of niobium (Nb, niobium), the gas and liquid coolant is made of helium (He), and the cooler (160) is a cooler having the performance to cool to 4K (approximately -269 degrees Celsius).

[0057] However, this is not limited thereto, and the accelerator tube (120) may be a superconductor of a different material, and the gaseous and liquid coolants may be a material other than helium (He). In addition, the performance of the cooler (160) is not limited to 4K (approximately -269 degrees Celsius).

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a gaseous and liquid coolant made of helium (He) may be used to cool the accelerator tube (120) made of niobium (Nb, niobium), and the cooler (160) may change the phase of gaseous helium (He) into liquid helium (He).

[0059] Referring to Fig. 1, a plurality of coolers (160) may be installed in the storage tank (150). The coolers (160) may be installed on the upper portion of the storage tank (150) and supported by the chamber (110).

[0060] In order to support the cooler (160) through the chamber (110), a damper spring (161) may be provided between the chamber (110) and the cooler (160). When the gaseous coolant is phase-changed into a liquid coolant through the cooler (160), vibration may be generated by the cooler (160).

[0061] The above damper spring (161) is intended to absorb vibrations generated from the cooler (160), and the vibrations generated from the cooler (160) can be prevented from being transmitted to the chamber (110) through the damper spring (161).

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of damper springs (161) may be provided between the chamber (110) and the cooler (160), and vibration caused by the cooler (160) can be absorbed through the plurality of damper springs (161).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first gas supply unit (170). The first gas supply unit (170) may be connected to the chamber (110) and supply a gaseous coolant to the chamber (110).

[0064] Specifically, the gaseous coolant supplied through the first gas supply unit (170) may be supplied to the storage tank (150) and stored in the storage tank (150). Here, the gaseous coolant may be helium (He).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first pipe (210) and a second pipe (220). The first pipe (210) is a pipe extending from the first gas supply unit (170) to the chamber (110).

[0066] The second pipe (220) is a pipe that branches off from the first pipe (210) and extends to the storage tank (150). The second pipe (220) can be connected to the first pipe (210), and the gaseous coolant supplied through the first gas supply unit (170) can be supplied to the storage tank (150) through the first pipe (210) and the second pipe (220).

[0067] The gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) through the first gas supply unit (170) may be cooled and liquefied through the cooler (160). According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the first gas supply unit (170) may be separated from the chamber (110).

[0068] Specifically, as the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) is cooled and liquefied through the cooler (160), a liquid coolant can be stored in the storage tank (150). Here, the liquid coolant can be liquid helium (He).

[0069] At this time, the gaseous coolant can be continuously supplied from the first gas supply unit (170) to the storage tank (150). If the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160) is liquefied, there is a risk that the pressure inside the storage tank (150) will decrease.

[0070] To prevent this, when cooling and liquefying the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160), it is preferable to continuously supply the gaseous coolant from the first gas supply unit (170) to the storage tank (150).

[0071] When the gaseous coolant is liquefied through the cooler (160) and a specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0072] When the specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110) because the accelerator tube (120) can be cooled by the liquid coolant.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, the liquid coolant stored in the storage tank (150) is supplied to the cooling jacket (130) to cool the acceleration tube (120). The liquid coolant that cools the acceleration tube (120) can be phase-changed into a gaseous coolant, and the phase-changed gaseous coolant can be liquefied again through the cooler (160).

[0074] In this way, when the gaseous coolant is liquefied through the cooler (160) and a specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the accelerator tube (120) can be cooled through the cooler (160), the storage tank (150), and the liquid coolant. Accordingly, the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0075] When the first gas supply unit (170) is separated from the chamber (110), a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant.

[0076] In addition, as the first gas supply unit (170) is separated from the chamber (110), the standalone superconducting accelerator including the cooling reliquefaction module according to the embodiment of the present invention can be moved to a required location without any location restrictions and used.

[0077] That is, the first gas supply unit (170) can be used to form a specified amount of liquefied coolant in the storage tank (150), and after the specified amount of liquefied coolant is formed in the storage tank (150), the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0078] As the first gas supply unit (170) is separated from the chamber (110), the superconducting accelerator can be moved to a required location without any location restrictions and used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage tank (150) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a first pressure regulating pipe (151) extending to the outside, and the first pressure regulating pipe (151) may be provided with a first check valve (152).

[0080] If the liquid coolant stored in the storage tank (150) undergoes heat exchange with the acceleration tube (120) and changes into a gaseous coolant, there is a risk that the pressure inside the storage tank (150) will increase. The first pressure regulating pipe (151) is provided to prevent the pressure inside the storage tank (150) from increasing, and the first pressure regulating pipe (151) can be connected to the outside.

[0081] The above first check valve (152) can allow air to move from the storage tank (150) to the outside and block air from flowing into the storage tank (150) from the outside.

[0082] Accordingly, gas moves from the storage tank (150) to the first pressure control pipe (151), thereby controlling the pressure inside the storage tank (150), and external gas is prevented from flowing into the storage tank (150).

[0083] When gas is introduced into the storage tank (150) from the outside, other gases than the gaseous coolant composed of helium (He) are introduced into the storage tank (150), and thus impurities may be mixed into the storage tank (150).

[0084] The gas that flows into the storage tank (150) from the outside may be an impurity containing nitrogen, and the gaseous nitrogen may lower the cooling performance as it is stored in the storage tank (150) in a liquefied state. Therefore, it is preferable to install the first check valve (152) in the first pressure regulating pipe (151) to block the gas from flowing into the storage tank (150).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling jacket (130) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a second pressure regulating pipe (131) extending to the outside, and the second pressure regulating pipe (131) may be provided with a second check valve (132).

[0086] When supplying liquid coolant from the storage tank (150) to the cooling jacket (130) to cool the acceleration tube (120), there is a risk that the pressure inside the cooling jacket (130) will increase as the liquid coolant stored in the cooling jacket (130) exchanges heat with the acceleration tube (120) and changes into a gaseous coolant.

[0087] The second pressure regulating pipe (131) is provided to prevent the pressure inside the cooling jacket (130) from increasing, and the second pressure regulating pipe (131) can be connected to the outside. The second check valve (132) can allow air to move from the cooling jacket (130) to the outside, and block air from flowing into the cooling jacket (130) from the outside.

[0088] Accordingly, gas moves from the cooling jacket (130) to the second pressure control pipe (131), so that the pressure inside the cooling jacket (130) can be controlled, and external gas can be prevented from flowing into the cooling jacket (130).

[0089] When gas is introduced into the cooling jacket (130) from the outside, other gases than the gaseous coolant composed of helium (He) are introduced into the cooling jacket (130), and thus impurities may be mixed into the cooling jacket (130).

[0090] The gas that flows into the cooling jacket (130) from the outside may be an impurity containing nitrogen, and the gaseous nitrogen may lower the cooling performance as it is stored in the cooling jacket (130) in a liquefied state. Therefore, it is preferable to install the second check valve (132) in the second pressure regulating pipe (131) to block the gas from flowing into the cooling jacket (130).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third pipe (230) branching from the first pipe (210) and extending to the cooling jacket (130).

[0092] The third pipe (230) branches off from the first pipe (210) and extends to the cooling jacket (130), and a gas supply agent can be supplied to the cooling jacket (130) through the third pipe (230).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 3, the first pipe (210) can be branched into the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230), and the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230) can be connected through the first pipe (210).

[0094] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first control valve (211) installed in the first pipe (210) and opening and closing the first pipe (210).

[0095] The first control valve (211) controls the opening and closing of the first pipe (210), and the first pipe (210) can be opened and closed through the first control valve (211). As described above, when a specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the first pipe (210) can be closed through the first control valve (211).

[0096] In addition, the second pipe (220) - the storage tank (150) - the cooling jacket (130) - the third pipe (230) - the second pipe (220) can be connected to each other, and through this, the coolant can be circulated through the second pipe (220) - the storage tank (150) - the cooling jacket (130) - the third pipe (230) - the second pipe (220).

[0097] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pre-cooling reliquefaction module that first cools the storage tank (150) and the cooling jacket (130) before cooling the gaseous coolant of the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160) to produce a liquid coolant.

[0098] When cooling the gaseous coolant of the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160) to form a liquefied coolant, the storage tank (150) and the cooling jacket (130) may be subjected to shock due to the rapid temperature change. To prevent this, the storage tank (150) and the cooling jacket (130) may be first cooled by a pre-cooling re-liquefaction module.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a standalone superconducting acceleration device including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pre-cooler (180) provided in the first pipe (210), and a fourth pipe (240) branching from the first pipe (210) and extending to the storage tank (150). In addition, a standalone superconducting acceleration device including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third pipe (230) branching from the first pipe (210) and extending to the cooling jacket (130).

[0100] The fourth pipe (240) may be branched from the first pipe (210) and extended to the storage tank (150). The third pipe (230) may be branched from the first pipe (210) and extended to the cooling jacket (130), and a gas supply agent may be supplied to the cooling jacket (130) through the third pipe (230).

[0101] In addition, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first control valve (211) installed in the first pipe (210) to open and close the first pipe (210), a second control valve (221) installed in the second pipe (220) to open and close the second pipe (220), a third control valve (231) installed in the third pipe (230) to open and close the third pipe (230), and a fourth control valve (241) installed in the fourth pipe (240).

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth control valve (241) may be formed as a check valve. Specifically, the fourth control valve (241) may allow fluid movement from the storage tank (150) to the fourth pipe (240) and may restrict fluid movement from the fourth pipe (240) to the storage tank (150).

[0103] The pre-cooler (180) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a cooler having a performance capable of cooling to 20K (about -253 degrees Celsius), and the pre-cooler (180) may be equipped with a heat exchanger (181). The gas moving through the pre-cooler (180) and the first pipe (210) exchanges heat through the heat exchanger (181). However, the performance of the pre-cooler (180) is not limited to 20K (about -253 degrees Celsius), and the performance of the pre-cooler (180) may be changed as needed.

[0104] Additionally, the first pipe (210) may be equipped with a circulator (182). Specifically, the circulator (182) may be equipped at the front end of the point where the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230) branch off.

[0105] The above circulator (182) may be a cryo-fan, and gas may be smoothly supplied from the first pipe (210) to the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230) through the circulator (182). Specifically, the circulator (182) may be a cryo-fan (acting as a compressor) that creates a pressure gradient in an extremely low temperature environment.

[0106] The process of pre-cooling the storage tank (150) and the cooling jacket (130) through the pre-cooler (180) according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, when a gaseous coolant is supplied from the first gas supply unit (170), the first pipe (210) can be opened through the first control valve (211), the second pipe (220) can be closed through the second control valve (221), and the third pipe (230) can be opened through the third control valve (231).

[0108] In this way, by controlling the first control valve (211), the second control valve (221), and the third control valve (231), the gaseous coolant supplied from the first gas supply unit (170) moves through the first pipe (210) to the third pipe (230) and then passes through the cooling jacket (130) and the storage tank (150).

[0109] At this time, since the second control valve (221) is closed, the gaseous coolant supplied through the first pipe (210) does not move to the storage tank (150) through the second pipe (220), and since the fourth control valve (241) is a check valve, the gaseous coolant supplied through the first pipe (210) does not move to the storage tank (150) through the fourth pipe (240).

[0110] The gaseous coolant supplied from the first pipe (210) may be a gas that has been cooled to a certain extent through the pre-cooler (180) and the heat exchanger (181) provided in the first pipe (210). Therefore, as the gas moves along the first pipe (210) - the third pipe (230) - the cooling jacket (130) - the storage tank (150), the cooling jacket (130) and the storage tank (150) can be evenly cooled.

[0111] The gaseous coolant introduced into the storage tank (150) can be moved back to the first pipe (210) through the fourth pipe (240). At this time, the fourth pipe (240) can move the gaseous coolant to a location where the precooler (180) is installed.

[0112] Specifically, the gaseous coolant supplied from the first gas supply unit (170) moves to the third pipe (230) through the first pipe (210) and then passes through the cooling jacket (130) and the storage tank (150). Thereafter, it can be circulated to the first pipe (210) through the fourth pipe (240).

[0113] The gaseous coolant circulated in the first pipe (210) can be cooled again through the pre-cooler (180). Specifically, the gaseous coolant circulated through the pre-cooler (180) provided in the first pipe (210) is cooled, and the gaseous coolant cooled through the pre-cooler (180) is supplied to the third pipe (230) through the circulator (182).

[0114] In this way, by cooling the gaseous coolant through the pre-cooler (180) and circulating the gaseous coolant through the first pipe (210) - the third pipe (230) - the cooling jacket (130) - the storage tank (150) - the fourth pipe (240) - the first pipe (210), the storage tank (150) can be cooled to a specified temperature.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, when the storage tank (150) reaches a specified temperature, the second pipe (220) is opened through the second control valve (221), the third pipe (230) is closed through the third control valve (231), and the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160) is cooled and liquefied.

[0116] At this time, the gaseous coolant can be continuously supplied from the first gas supply unit (170) to the storage tank (150) through the first pipe (210) and the second pipe (220). If the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160) is liquefied, there is a risk that the pressure inside the storage tank (150) will decrease.

[0117] To prevent this, when cooling and liquefying the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank (150) through the cooler (160), it is preferable to continuously supply the gaseous coolant from the first gas supply unit (170) to the storage tank (150) through the first pipe (210) and the second pipe (220). When the gaseous coolant is liquefied through the cooler (160) and a designated amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0118] When the specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the accelerator tube (120) can be cooled by the liquid coolant. Accordingly, the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0119] At this time, the first control valve (211) is closed, thereby stopping the supply of the gaseous coolant to the storage tank (150) through the first pipe (210). In addition, the fourth pipe (240) may be provided with a control valve for opening and closing the fourth pipe (240), and the fourth pipe (240) may be closed through the control valve.

[0120] Referring to Fig. 5, the liquid coolant stored in the storage tank (150) is supplied to the cooling jacket (130) to cool the acceleration tube (120). The liquid coolant that cools the acceleration tube (120) can be phase-changed into a gaseous coolant, and the phase-changed gaseous coolant can be liquefied again through the cooler (160).

[0121] In this way, the cooling jacket (130) and the storage tank (150) are pre-cooled through the pre-cooler (180), and when the gaseous coolant is liquefied through the cooler (160) and a designated amount of liquid coolant is stored in the storage tank (150), the acceleration tube (120) can be cooled through the cooler (160), the storage tank (150), and the liquid coolant. Accordingly, the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0122] When the first gas supply unit (170) is separated from the chamber (110), a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant.

[0123] In addition, as the first gas supply unit (170) is separated from the chamber (110), the standalone superconducting accelerator including the cooling reliquefaction module according to the embodiment of the present invention can be moved to a required location without any location restrictions and used.

[0124] That is, the first gas supply unit (170) can be used to form a specified amount of liquefied coolant in the storage tank (150), and after the specified amount of liquefied coolant is formed in the storage tank (150), the first gas supply unit (170) can be separated from the chamber (110).

[0125] As the first gas supply unit (170) is separated from the chamber (110), the superconducting accelerator can be moved to a required location without any location restrictions and used independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 6, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a heater (153). The heater (153) may be connected to the storage tank (150) and heat the storage tank (150).

[0127] When cooling the accelerator tube (120) using the liquid coolant stored in the storage tank (150), there is a need to vaporize all of the liquid coolant stored in the storage tank (150) for safety reasons or when inspection is required.

[0128] The heater (153) is provided for this purpose, and by heating the storage tank (150) through the heater (153), all of the liquid coolant stored in the storage tank (150) can be vaporized. The coolant vaporized in the storage tank (150) can be discharged to the outside through the first pressure control pipe (151).

[0129] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a heat shield (190) disposed between the chamber (110) and the acceleration tube (120). Referring to FIG. 7, the heat shield (190) is intended to block heat from being transferred from the chamber (110) to the acceleration tube (120).

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, the heat shield (190) is provided with a cooling pipe (192) that circulates on the outside of the accelerator tube (120), and a second gas supply unit (191) can be connected to the cooling pipe (192).

[0131] The second gas supply unit (191) can supply a gaseous coolant to the cooling pipe (192), and by supplying the gaseous coolant to the cooling pipe (192), heat can be prevented from being transferred from the chamber (110) to the acceleration tube (120). The second gas supply unit (191) can be provided with a shield control valve (196) that controls the opening and closing of the second gas supply unit (191).

[0132] The above cooling pipe (192) may be equipped with a shield cooler (193) capable of cooling a gaseous coolant, and a shield circulator (195) providing power to move the gaseous coolant. The shield cooler (193) may be capable of re-cooling the gaseous coolant moving through the cooling pipe (192), and the shield cooler (193) may be a cooler capable of cooling to 20K (approximately -253 degrees Celsius).

[0133] The above shield cooler (193) may be equipped with a shield heat exchanger (194), and the gas moving through the shield cooler (193) and the cooling pipe (192) exchanges heat through the shield heat exchanger (194). However, the performance of the shield cooler (193) is not limited to 20K (approximately -253 degrees Celsius), and the performance of the shield cooler (193) may be changed as needed.

[0134] The above shield circulator (195) may be a cooling fan, and the gaseous coolant can be smoothly circulated in the cooling pipe (192) through the shield circulator (195).

[0135] A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module according to the embodiment of the present invention described above has the following effects.

[0136] A standalone superconducting acceleration device including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention has a cooler capable of liquefying a gaseous coolant inside the acceleration device, and changes the gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through the cooler inside the acceleration device and stores the liquid coolant in a storage tank, thereby having the advantage of being able to use the superconducting acceleration device independently without being connected to a separate cooling plant.

[0137] In addition, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to be moved to a required location and used regardless of the location of the cooling plant or the location of the pipe connected to the cooling plant, by changing a gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through a cooler inside the accelerator and storing the liquid coolant in a storage tank.

[0138] In addition, a standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling re-liquefaction module according to an embodiment of the present invention does not require a separate superconducting cooling plant facility as it changes a gaseous coolant into a liquid coolant through a cooler inside the accelerator and stores the liquid coolant in a storage tank, and thus has the advantage of being able to use the superconducting accelerator without location restrictions.

[0139] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In an accelerator using a superconductor, chamber; An accelerator tube provided inside the chamber, having a cavity formed therein, and made of a superconductor; A cooling jacket surrounding the outside of the above accelerator tube and filled with a coolant; A cooling re-liquefaction module is provided inside the chamber and is connected to the cooling jacket to supply coolant to the cooling jacket; The above cooling reliquefaction module, A storage tank connected to the above cooling jacket and storing a liquid or gaseous coolant; and A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that it includes a cooler installed in the storage tank and changing the phase of the gaseous coolant stored in the storage tank into a liquid coolant.

2. In paragraph 1, Connected to the chamber and including a first gas supply unit for supplying a gaseous coolant to the chamber, A standalone superconducting accelerator device including a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that the gaseous coolant supplied through the first gas supply unit is stored in the storage tank.

3. In paragraph 2, A first pipe extending from the first gas supply unit to the chamber; A second pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to the storage tank is included. The gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank through the first gas supply unit is cooled and liquefied through the cooler, When the specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the above storage tank, A standalone superconducting accelerator device comprising a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that the first gas supply unit is separated from the chamber.

4. In paragraph 3, A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that it comprises a third pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to the cooling jacket.

5. In paragraph 4, A pre-cooler provided in the above first pipe, A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that it includes a fourth pipe branching from the first pipe and extending to the storage tank.

6. In paragraph 5, A first control valve installed in the first pipe to open and close the first pipe, A second control valve installed in the second pipe to open and close the second pipe, A third control valve that is installed in the third pipe and opens and closes the third pipe, A standalone superconducting accelerator including a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that it includes a fourth control valve installed in the fourth pipe, and the fourth control valve is formed as a check valve.

7. In paragraph 6, When the gaseous coolant is supplied from the first gas supply section, The first pipe is opened through the first control valve, the second pipe is closed through the second control valve, and the third pipe is opened through the third control valve. The gaseous coolant supplied from the first gas supply unit moves to the third pipe through the first pipe, then passes through the cooling jacket and the storage tank, and passes through the fourth pipe to circulate to the first pipe. A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module characterized in that it cools the gaseous coolant circulated through the pre-cooler provided in the first pipe.

8. In paragraph 7, When the storage tank reaches a specified temperature, the second pipe is opened through the second control valve, and the third pipe is closed through the third control valve. A standalone superconducting accelerator device including a cooling re-liquefaction module characterized in that the gaseous coolant supplied to the storage tank through the cooler is cooled and liquefied.

9. In paragraph 8, When the specified amount of liquid coolant is stored in the above storage tank, A standalone superconducting accelerator device comprising a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that the first gas supply unit is separated from the chamber.

10. In paragraph 1, The above storage tank is provided with a first pressure regulating pipe extending to the outside, A standalone superconducting accelerator device including a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that the first pressure regulating pipe is provided with a first check valve.

11. In paragraph 1, The above cooling jacket is provided with a second pressure regulating pipe extending to the outside, A standalone superconducting accelerator device including a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that the second pressure regulating pipe is provided with a second check valve.

12. In paragraph 1, A standalone superconducting accelerator comprising a cooling reliquefaction module, characterized in that it includes a heater that heats the storage tank while being connected to the storage tank.

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