Superconducting Machine Cooling System Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for superconducting rotor windings in machines are tilt-intolerant, leading to unreliable cooling in inclined positions, particularly on ships or offshore platforms, where gravity-driven cooling circuits can malfunction, causing lubrication interruptions and contamination of compressed gas with oil.
Innovation Solution
A support system stabilizes inclination-intolerant components of the cooling system, using actuators and control elements to maintain reliable operation, with preferred embodiments involving gravity actuation through pivotable mounting and counterweights to ensure components remain functional regardless of machine orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If gravity-driven cooling circuits are used for cooling superconducting rotor windings, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the system becomes intolerant to inclination and cannot operate reliably on ships or offshore platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system transitions from a static gravity-dependent design to a dynamic active cooling system with pumps and valves that can maintain coolant flow regardless of machine inclination. The system adapts its operation based on detected inclination angles, switching between gravity-assisted mode at low angles and pump-driven mode at high angles, ensuring continuous reliable cooling in all orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical gravity-driven cooling circuit with an active cooling system using electrically driven pumps and control valves. This substitution eliminates dependence on gravitational force, allowing the system to maintain coolant circulation and effective heat removal from superconducting windings even when the machine is positioned at extreme inclines on ships or offshore platforms.
2Device complexity
If tilt-intolerant components are used in the cooling system, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot guarantee reliable cooling in extreme positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system incorporates dynamic inclination sensing and active control mechanisms that adjust pump operation and valve positioning based on real-time detection of machine orientation. This dynamic adaptation ensures that coolant flow patterns are optimized for the current inclination angle, maintaining reliable cooling performance across the full range of operational positions without requiring overly complex redundant systems.
3Ease of operation
If oil-lubricated compressors are used in the cooling system, then ease of operation is improved, but lubrication interruptions occur in extreme inclined positions causing negative consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system incorporates active inclination compensation through adjustable mounting mechanisms and real-time pump control that maintains proper oil reservoir positioning and lubrication pressure regardless of machine inclination. The system dynamically adjusts oil pump operation and compressor orientation to ensure continuous lubrication supply to moving parts even when the overall machine is positioned at extreme angles on ships or offshore platforms.
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
The solution ensures reliable cooling of superconducting rotor windings by maintaining the stability of cooling system components, preventing lubrication interruptions and gas contamination, even in extreme positions, thereby guaranteeing continuous operation on ships and offshore platforms.
Implementation Method 1
The superconducting winding is often cooled by gravity-driven cooling circuits based on the thermosiphon effect. For cooling, there is an axially extending cavity in the rotor, which is charged with a coolant, for example liquid neon. For this purpose, there is a coaxially positioned connection at one end of the rotor shaft protruding from the machine, with which a condenser located at a geodetically higher position than the cavity of the rotor is connected via one or two lines, in which condenser the coolant is liquefied. Due to its greater density, it then flows back into the rotor, where it absorbs the heat emitted by the winding, vaporizes and is transported to the condenser.
Implementation Method 2
in which condenser the coolant is liquefied. Due to its greater density, it then flows back into the rotor, where it absorbs the heat emitted by the winding, vaporizes and is transported to the condenser. There it is liquefied again.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a superconducting machine device (1) comprising a machine (2), the device having a rotor (3) comprising a superconductive coil and also having a cooling system comprising at least one incline-intolerant component for cooling said coil. At least one component is held by a carrier (12) compensating for an incline of the machine device.