Cryogenic Thermal Battery Using Solid Nitrogen for Magnet Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting magnet systems face challenges in maintaining cryogenic temperatures during transit and storage due to the boiling of cryogens like helium, leading to significant cost and logistical issues, as well as safety concerns with hydrogen, and existing solutions require large volumes of costly cryogens to ensure extended shipping periods.
Innovation Solution
A secondary cryogen, such as solid nitrogen, is used in thermal connection with the system to act as a thermal battery, absorbing latent heat and maintaining cryogenic temperatures during transit, reducing the need for expensive working cryogens like helium and allowing for extended shipping periods without active refrigeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large volume of liquid cryogen is used to extend shipping time, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and volume of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the phase state of the second cryogen from liquid to solid, utilizing the latent heat of fusion during melting to extend cooling duration. Solid nitrogen or other cryogens are used instead of large volumes of liquid, reducing system weight while maintaining extended shipping capability through phase change energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs phase transitions of a second cryogen (melting of solid cryogen or evaporation of liquid cryogen) to provide extended cooling during transit. The latent heat absorbed during these phase changes maintains the primary cryogen at its boiling point for longer periods, extending shipping time without proportionally increasing system weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large volume of liquid cryogen is used to extend shipping time, then the duration of action is improved, but the volume of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and thermal properties of the cryogen system by introducing a second cryogen that operates at a higher temperature. This allows the use of solid or liquid cryogen with higher density and greater latent heat capacity, extending cooling duration without proportionally increasing system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transitions (melting or evaporation) of a second cryogen to extend the cooling period. The latent heat absorbed during these transitions provides sustained cooling, allowing extended shipping times with smaller system volumes compared to using only liquid helium or other primary cryogens.
3Loss of substance
If hydrogen is used as a cryogen to reduce cost, then the loss of substance is reduced, but safety hazards increase due to explosion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second cryogen (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or other inert gases) as an intermediary cooling medium. This second cryogen acts as a mediator between the external environment and the primary cryogen system, providing extended cooling through its phase transitions while being inherently safer and less flammable than hydrogen.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inert or non-flammable cryogens (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or other noble gases) as the second cooling medium. These inert atmospheres eliminate or significantly reduce explosion risks associated with hydrogen while providing effective extended cooling through their phase transitions, maintaining safety without sacrificing cryogen efficiency.
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 consumption of costly cryogens, minimizes system size and weight, and ensures reliable cryogenic temperature maintenance during transport, enabling longer shipping times while avoiding contamination risks and safety hazards, with nitrogen being an effective and inexpensive option.
Implementation Method 1
A secondary cryogen, such as solid nitrogen, is used in thermal connection with the system to act as a thermal battery, absorbing latent heat and maintaining cryogenic temperatures during transit
Implementation Method 2
method and apparatus for maintaining apparatus at cryogenic temperatures over an extended period without active refrigeration
Data Source
AI summary
The present provides a cryogenic thermal battery arrangement for maintaining a superconducting magnet coil or similar apparatus at cryogenic temperature for a required shipping period, such as thirty days, without consuming a significant amount of costly cryogen. According to another aspect, the invention allows extended shipping periods without incurring excessive costs.