Dual Annular Cooling for Superconducting Cable Heat Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic refrigeration systems require multiple units along the length of long superconducting cables to maintain the critical temperature, leading to increased costs due to the limited cooling capacity for longer cable lengths.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting cable assembly with a dual annular passage system where the coolant flows through one passage to cool the cable and through a second passage to intercept ambient heat, acting as a heat shield, allowing for longer cable lengths to be cooled with fewer refrigeration systems and eliminating the need for a separate return line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cryogenic refrigeration systems are used to cool superconducting cables, then the critical temperature is maintained, but multiple refrigeration systems are required for long cable lengths, increasing cost and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct annular passages: an inner passage for coolant flow that directly cools the superconducting cable, and an outer passage for coolant flow that intercepts ambient heat. This segmentation allows each passage to perform a specialized function, improving overall cooling efficiency and reducing the number of refrigeration systems needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer annular passage acts as an intermediary heat shield between the ambient environment and the inner cooling passage. By placing coolant in the outer passage, ambient heat is intercepted before it can reach the critical inner cooling zone, thereby protecting the superconducting cable more effectively with fewer refrigeration systems.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional single-pass cooling is used, then the cable is cooled to critical temperature, but additional refrigeration systems are needed for longer cable lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The outer annular passage performs preliminary heat interception by capturing ambient heat before it can transfer to the inner cooling passage and the superconducting cable. This preliminary action reduces the thermal load on the coolant in the inner passage, allowing the same coolant flow rate to cool longer cable lengths effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for additional mechanical refrigeration systems along the cable length with a thermal shield mechanism. The outer passage with coolant flowing in the opposite direction creates a thermal barrier that substitutes for multiple refrigeration units, reducing both equipment quantity and coolant flow requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional cooling arrangements are used, then short cable lengths can be cooled effectively, but long cable lengths require multiple refrigeration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-pass annular cooling system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the inner passage provides direct coolant cooling to the superconducting cable, while the outer passage provides ambient heat interception and thermal shielding. This multi-functionality allows a single refrigeration system to effectively cool much longer cable lengths compared to conventional single-pass arrangements.
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 configuration reduces the number of refrigeration systems needed and lowers fluid flow requirements, enabling longer superconducting cable lengths to be cooled efficiently while maintaining the critical temperature, with a potential reduction in cryogenic refrigeration system costs.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant flowing through the first passage and the coolant flowing through the second passage intercepts ambient heat
Implementation Method 2
the coolant flowing through the second passage intercepts ambient heat so as to act as a heat shield for the first passage
Implementation Method 3
The coolant flows through the first passage in a first direction and flows through the second passage in a second direction, opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting cable assembly includes a first annular passage disposed concentrically around the superconducting cable and having first and second ends and an inlet, a second annular passage disposed concentrically around the first passage and having first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the second passage is in communication with at least one of the first and second ends of the first passage, the second passage further having an outlet. A coolant provided by a cryogenic refrigeration system is directed through the inlet, passes through the first passage in a first direction, passes through the second passage in a second direction opposite to the first direction and exits the assembly through the outlet. With this arrangement, the superconducting cable is cooled to the critical temperature by coolant flowing through the first passage and the coolant flowing through the second passage intercepts ambient heat so as to act as a heat shield for the first passage.