Cryogenic Cooling Flow Control for Faster Initial Cooldown
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic cooling systems require a lengthy initial cooling period to reach target temperatures, which hinders their practical application, especially in superconducting electromagnets and other equipment where rapid cooling is essential.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic cooling system with a control device that manages the flow rate of a cooling gas through a predetermined pattern, initially at a high rate and then reducing to a lower rate, optimizing the cooling capacity and shortening the initial cooling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the cooling gas flows at a high flow rate throughout the entire initial cooling process, then the initial cooling speed is improved, but the cooling capacity is reduced due to insufficient heat exchange time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling gas flow rate variable rather than constant. The flow rate control unit dynamically adjusts the flow rate in two stages: a high flow rate during the first period to achieve rapid cooling, and a low flow rate during the second period to maximize cooling capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooling speed and cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the initial cooling process into two distinct time periods with different flow rate characteristics. The first period uses a high flow rate for rapid temperature reduction, while the second period uses a low flow rate for efficient heat exchange. This periodic variation in flow rate optimizes both cooling speed and cooling capacity at different stages of the cooling process.
2Loss of energy
If the cooling gas flows at a low flow rate throughout the entire initial cooling process, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the initial cooling time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling gas flow rate variable rather than constant. The flow rate control unit dynamically adjusts the flow rate in two stages: a high flow rate during the first period to achieve rapid cooling, and a low flow rate during the second period to maximize cooling capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooling speed and cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the initial cooling process into two distinct time periods with different flow rate characteristics. The first period uses a high flow rate for rapid temperature reduction, while the second period uses a low flow rate for efficient heat exchange. This periodic variation in flow rate optimizes both cooling speed and cooling capacity at different stages of the cooling process.
3Ease of operation
If a constant flow rate is maintained during initial cooling, then the system operation is simplified, but the overall cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling gas flow rate variable rather than constant. The flow rate control unit dynamically adjusts the flow rate in two stages: a high flow rate during the first period to achieve rapid cooling, and a low flow rate during the second period to maximize cooling capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooling speed and cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the initial cooling process into two distinct time periods with different flow rate characteristics. The first period uses a high flow rate for rapid temperature reduction, while the second period uses a low flow rate for efficient heat exchange. This periodic variation in flow rate optimizes both cooling speed and cooling capacity at different stages of the cooling process.
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 approach significantly reduces the initial cooling time while maintaining efficient cooling capacity, enhancing the system's practicality for superconducting applications by optimizing gas flow rates and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cryocooler including a cryocooler stage that cools the cooling gas
Implementation Method 2
a cooling gas flow path that causes a cooling gas to flow from the gas circulation source via the cryocooler stage and the object to be cooled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A cryogenic cooling system 10 includes a gas circulation source 12; a cryocooler 22 that cools a cooling gas; a cooling gas flow path 14 that causes a cooling gas to flow from the gas circulation source 12 to the object 11 to be cooled; and a control device 40 that controls the gas circulation source 12 so as to execute initial cooling of the object 11 to be cooled from a room temperature to a target cooling temperature according to a prescribed flow rate pattern. The prescribed flow rate pattern is predetermined such that the cooling gas flows through the cooling gas flow path 14 at a first average flow rate from a start of the initial cooling to a transition timing, and the cooling gas flows through the cooling gas flow path 14 at a second average flow rate from the transition timing to a completion of the initial cooling. The second average flow rate is smaller than the first average flow rate such that the cooling capacity of the cryogenic cooling system 10 is increased as compared to a case where the first average flow rate is maintained from the transition timing to the completion of the initial cooling.