Acoustic Sensor Array for Quench Detection in Superconducting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting quench events in high temperature superconductors, such as REBCO conductors, is challenging due to slow normal zone propagation velocities and confined quench zones, making conventional electric voltage methods ineffective.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic sensor array is deployed in the coolant of superconducting devices to detect acoustic waves generated by temperature changes or mechanical disruptions, allowing for real-time identification and localization of quench events without the need for external excitation or voltage taps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electric voltage detection methods are used, then the detection system is simple to implement, but the detection precision is insufficient for HTS conductors due to slow normal zone propagation velocities and confined quench zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric voltage detection system with an acoustic wave-based detection system. Acoustic sensors detect mechanical vibrations and pressure waves generated during quench events, providing superior detection precision for HTS conductors where electrical methods fail due to slow normal zone propagation. This substitution of detection mechanism resolves the contradiction by achieving high precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect quench events. Instead of directly measuring electrical parameters, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect mechanical disturbances in the coolant or conductor structure that occur during quenching. This intermediary approach enables precise detection of confined quench zones that are undetectable by conventional voltage taps.
2Reliability
If voltage taps are mounted on superconducting conductors, then quench detection is possible, but the device complexity increases due to soldering requirements and induced inductive voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the superconducting conductor itself by placing acoustic sensors in the surrounding coolant or environment. Instead of mounting voltage taps directly on the conductor (which requires soldering and creates inductive coupling), the system detects quench events acoustically from the external medium, eliminating the need for direct electrical contact with the superconducting material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic sensors to detect the mechanical signature or 'acoustic copy' of the quench event rather than directly measuring electrical changes. The acoustic waves carry information about the quench event, allowing indirect detection that avoids the complexity of direct electrical measurement while maintaining detection reliability.
3Loss of time
If acoustic sensor arrays are deployed in coolant, then rapid and precise quench detection with location identification is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple voltage detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple acoustic sensors positioned at different locations within the coolant. This segmentation allows the system to detect quench events rapidly and determine their spatial location by comparing signals from different sensors. The segmented approach enables both fast detection and location identification, justifying the increased device complexity through superior performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial dimension to quench detection by using an array of acoustic sensors distributed in three-dimensional space within the coolant. This dimensional approach allows the system not only to detect quench events rapidly but also to locate them precisely by triangulating signal arrival times and amplitudes across the sensor array, transforming a simple detection problem into a spatial localization problem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides rapid and precise detection of quench events in superconducting magnets and power transmission cables, especially for HTS conductors, with high spatial and temporal resolution, and is economical and easy to implement, reducing the risk of device degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor detects an event in the superconducting system based on acoustic waves transmitted in the coolant fluid
Implementation Method 2
detecting acoustic emission (AE) due to cracking, delamination and rapid temperature changes of a quench
Data Source
AI summary
A novel system and method for detecting a quench of a superconducting conductor and detecting abnormal behavior of a superconducting conductor using acoustic sensor technology in the coolant of a superconducting cable and/or magnet is disclosed. This system and method is not only limited to use for superconductors, but also may be used for any device disposed in liquid and gas. Acoustic sensors are installed along a coolant space of a superconducting conductor and monitor coolant conditions. By monitoring acoustic changes, temperature changes or coolant flow disruption can be detected very quickly by an acoustic sensor array. By disposition of the acoustic sensor array in a coolant flow channel, the acoustic sensor system can quickly detect a local condition, such as the thermal status (temperature) of a superconducting cable and magnet with precise spatial resolution.