Cryogen Storage Switching for Superconducting Device Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for superconducting devices, such as motors and generators, face interruptions in cryogenic fluid supply due to power outages or refrigeration system failures, leading to temperature increases beyond the superconducting state, resulting in loss of superconductivity.
Innovation Solution
A cryogen storage system coupled with a cryogen cooling system and flow control valving to ensure uninterrupted cryogen supply, allowing the system to isolate the cooling system and direct cryogen flow from storage to the device during maintenance or failures, using liquefiers, insulated transfer conduits, and external pumps for efficient temperature maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a refrigeration system is used to supply cryogenic fluid to superconducting devices, then the devices can be cooled to and maintained below their transition temperature, but the supply may be interrupted due to power outages or system failures, causing temperature to rise above the transition temperature and loss of superconductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing cryogenic fluid in advance in storage vessels before it is needed. The system pre-cools and stores sufficient cryogen in insulated storage vessels so that when the refrigeration system fails or needs maintenance, the stored cryogen can immediately continue cooling the superconducting device without interruption, preventing temperature rise above the transition temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a buffer supply of cryogenic fluid through storage vessels. This cushioning supply acts as a safety buffer that compensates for potential refrigeration system failures, power outages, or maintenance shutdowns, ensuring continuous cooling protection for the superconducting device without direct dependence on the active refrigeration system at all times
2Reliability
If a refrigeration system operates continuously to maintain cryogenic fluid supply, then superconductivity is maintained, but any failure or maintenance shutdown causes interruption and loss of superconducting state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cooling system into distinct functional modules: an active refrigeration system for producing cryogen, insulated storage vessels for holding stored cryogen, flow control valves for directing flow paths, and distribution lines to the superconducting device. This modular segmentation allows the storage system to independently support the device during refrigeration failures without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing storage vessels as a buffer intermediary between the refrigeration system and the superconducting device. The stored cryogen in the storage vessels acts as an intermediary resource that can supply the device independently when the primary refrigeration system is unavailable, bridging the gap during failures or maintenance
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 provides a continuous and reliable cryogen supply, maintaining the superconducting state of devices during refrigeration system interruptions, minimizing heat losses and ensuring operational efficiency by using cryogen storage to compensate for cooling system failures.
Implementation Method 1
The cryogenic fluid absorbs heat from the superconducting rotor coil, and maintains the rotor coil below the transition temperature and in a superconducting state
Implementation Method 2
a cryogen cooling system adapted to be coupled to the superconducting device. The cryogen cooling system is also configured to supply cryogen to the superconducting device
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for cooling superconducting devices. The system includes a cryogen cooling system configured to be coupled to the superconducting device and to supply cryogen to the device. The system also includes a cryogen storage system configured to supply cryogen to the device. The system further includes flow control valving configured to selectively isolate the cryogen cooling system from the device, thereby directing a flow of cryogen to the device from the cryogen storage system.