Cryogen-Free Superconductive Coil Cooling via Thermal Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconductive coils require state-changing fluids for cooling, leading to safety issues and costly maintenance due to overpressures and the need to replenish evaporating fluids during the transition from superconductive to normal conductor states.
Innovation Solution
A superconductive coil design featuring a set of annular windings made of high-temperature superconductors with thermally conductive cooling sheets connected to a cryogenic cooling system, eliminating the need for state-changing fluids by using a cryogen-free cooling method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If state-changing fluids (liquid helium) are used for cooling superconductive coils, then the superconductor can be maintained below its critical temperature, but safety problems arise due to overpressures generated during quench conditions and costly maintenance is required to replenish evaporating fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the state-changing fluid (liquid helium) from the cooling system, replacing it with a closed-loop cryocooler system that uses a working fluid contained entirely within sealed heat exchangers. This eliminates the safety hazards and maintenance issues associated with large volumes of liquid helium while maintaining effective cooling of the superconductor below its critical temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces heat exchangers as intermediary components between the cryocooler and the superconductor. These heat exchangers contain the working fluid in a closed loop, mediating the thermal transfer while preventing direct contact between the cooling system and the superconductor, thereby eliminating overpressure safety issues and fluid replenishment maintenance
2Temperature
If state-changing fluids are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is achieved, but maintenance costs increase due to the need to replenish evaporating fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid replenishment requirement from the system by implementing a closed-loop cooling circuit where the working fluid is continuously recirculated and condensed. This eliminates maintenance costs associated with replenishing evaporating liquid helium while maintaining effective cooling through the phase change cycle within the sealed heat exchanger
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop cryocooler system is self-sufficient, automatically recycling its own working fluid through evaporation and condensation cycles within the sealed heat exchanger. The system requires no external fluid replenishment or maintenance intervention, making it economically advantageous compared to open-loop liquid helium systems
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 design enhances safety, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for more stable operation with reduced risk of accidental transitions, enabling efficient cooling and operation of superconductive systems without the need for liquid helium, thus providing a more reliable and cost-effective solution for applications like magnetic resonance imaging and other electrical machines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cooling sheet which is made of thermally conductive material and arranged in contact with said set of windings and is able to be connected in a thermally conductive manner to a cryogenic cooling system
Implementation Method 2
a superconductor with a high critical temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A coil comprises a set of windings with a generally annular shape and formed by a plurality of series-connected partial windings made of a superconductor with a high critical temperature, in which these partial windings are arranged next to each other in stratified form, and at least one cooling sheet which is made of thermally conductive material and arranged in contact with this set of windings and which is designed to be connected in a thermally conductive manner to a cryogenic cooling system.