Coolant Acoustic Sensing for Superconducting Quench Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting quench events in high-temperature superconducting devices, such as REBCO conductors, is challenging due to slow normal zone propagation velocities and confined quench zones, making conventional electric voltage methods inefficient and requiring sensitive detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensor array is placed in the coolant of superconducting devices to detect pressure waves generated by temperature changes, allowing for real-time identification of quench locations without the need for external excitation or voltage taps, using pressure sensors like acoustic sensors, MEMS switches, and continuous pressure sensors.
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 due to slow normal zone propagation velocities and confined quench zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electric voltage detection methods with acoustic wave detection. Acoustic sensors detect pressure waves generated by rapid thermal expansion during quench events, substituting electrical measurement with acoustic measurement to achieve higher precision in detecting confined quench zones with slow propagation velocities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coolant fluid as an intermediary medium that transmits acoustic pressure waves from the quench zone to the sensors. The coolant serves as a coupling medium between the superconducting conductor and the acoustic sensors, enabling detection of quench events through wave propagation in the fluid
2Reliability
If voltage taps are installed on the superconducting conductor, then quench detection can be performed, but the device complexity increases due to mounting requirements and induced voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the superconducting conductor itself by placing acoustic sensors in the surrounding coolant fluid. This eliminates the need to mount voltage taps on the conductor, removing the complexity of electrical connections and induced voltage compensation while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic pressure waves as a copy or proxy for thermal energy release during quench. Instead of directly measuring electrical parameters on the conductor, the system detects the acoustic signature generated by rapid coolant expansion, providing an indirect but reliable measurement of quench events
3Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are used to detect pressure waves in coolant, then quench detection precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to sensor array installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing coolant circulation system to serve the dual purpose of cooling the superconducting conductor and transmitting acoustic signals for quench detection. The coolant infrastructure already in place becomes the transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate signal transmission pathways and simplifying installation
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 enables quick and accurate detection of quench events in superconducting magnets and cables, reducing the risk of device degradation by identifying the location of temperature changes within the coolant, thus facilitating timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
detecting pressure waves generated due to a temperature change by the event and transmitted in the coolant fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present system and method allow for the detection and diagnosis of abrupt changes of a device operating condition using a sensor array disposed in the coolant where the device is located. The purpose of the sensor array is to identify, in real time, abrupt changes quickly and detect the location of the incident. It may be used, for example, for quench detection of superconducting cables and magnets. This system and method are not only limited to use with superconducting conductors such as magnets, power transmission cables, SMES, MRI, motors and generators, but could also be used for any electric devices disposed in liquid or gas. It can also be used for a liquid level meter. Further, this system and method are not limited to low temperature devices, but may also be used in room temperature or elevated higher temperature devices disposed in gas and/or liquid.