Demountable Current Lead Unit for Superconducting Magnet Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lead units in MRI apparatuses generate significant heat, leading to cryogenic losses and require costly and complex liquid helium refilling processes, especially when changing currents or magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A demountable current lead unit with an inserting module, a service module, and a transmission pipeline, utilizing a separate refrigerant like liquid nitrogen or helium to cool the current leads independently, allowing for efficient current supply and discharge without consuming the ultralow temperature refrigerant from the superconducting magnet cryostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current leads are cooled by liquid helium from the superconducting magnet cryostat, then the current leads can be maintained at ultralow temperature, but cryogenic losses increase and frequent refilling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent modules: a service module containing the refrigerant storage tank and a current lead cooling module. This segmentation allows separate cooling of current leads from the superconducting magnet, preventing cryogenic losses in the magnet's refrigerant while maintaining ultralow temperature in current leads through independent refrigerant circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
A transmission pipe line acts as an intermediary connection between the service module and the current lead cooling module. This intermediary structure enables refrigerant transport without direct connection to the superconducting magnet cryostat, isolating the magnet's ultralow temperature refrigerant from the current lead cooling process and preventing cryogenic losses.
2Temperature
If current leads are cooled by liquid helium from the superconducting magnet cryostat, then the current leads can be maintained at ultralow temperature, but the refilling process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into an independent service module with its own refrigerant storage tank, separate from the superconducting magnet cryostat. This allows the current lead cooling function to be maintained independently, eliminating the need to refill the magnet's ultralow temperature refrigerant when current leads require cooling maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The service module is designed to autonomously supply refrigerant to the current lead cooling module through the transmission pipe line. This self-service capability allows the current lead cooling system to operate independently without requiring external intervention or complex refilling procedures involving the superconducting magnet's refrigerant system.
3Loss of energy
If a separate refrigerant system is used for current lead cooling, then cryogenic losses are reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into functionally independent modules: a service module with refrigerant storage and a current lead cooling module connected via transmission pipe line. This segmentation achieves separate cooling control that prevents cryogenic losses while organizing complexity into manageable, modular components rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The service module with refrigerant storage tank and transmission pipe line serves multiple functions: it cools current leads independently, prevents cryogenic losses in the superconducting magnet refrigerant, and provides a self-service cooling solution. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating cooling functions into a versatile modular unit.
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 solution reduces cryogenic losses and minimizes the need for frequent liquid helium refilling, enabling changes in current and magnetic field without wasting ultralow temperature refrigerant, thus optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling pipe disposed in the electrode lead
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant storage tank for supplying a refrigerant to the cooling pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A demountable current lead unit and a superconducting magnet apparatus employing the same include an inserting module that is demountably inserted into a superconducting magnet apparatus and electrode leads electrically connected to a superconducting coil and cooling pipes disposed in the respective electrode leads; a service module including a power supply source for supplying a current to the electrode leads, a refrigerant storage tank for supplying a refrigerant to the cooling pipe, and a controller for controlling a flow of the refrigerant to the cooling pipe; and a transmission pipe line for connecting the inserting module and the service module.