HTS Cable Cooling Modules for Long-Distance Cryogenic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic cooling systems for high temperature superconductor (HTS) cables are limited by the length of the cable due to limited pressure head and cooling power, requiring tailored refrigeration systems for each project, resulting in high costs.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with multiple sections of HTS cables and refrigeration modules that divide and recombine coolant streams to maintain consistent pressure and temperature, using pressure control units and cable joints with conduits for efficient coolant flow and re-cooling, allowing for longer cable lengths and standardized refrigeration modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single cooling station and cooling loop are used for superconducting cable, then the system is simple, but the length of HTS cable is limited due to limited pressure head and cooling power
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling stations (first cooling station, second cooling station, third cooling station) that can operate in parallel. Each cooling station serves a specific section of the HTS cable, allowing the system to scale to longer cable lengths without requiring a single oversized cooling system. The coolant flow path is segmented into multiple loops, with each loop managed by its own cooling station and circulating pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling stations are designed as standardized, modular units that can be replicated and configured for different cable lengths and applications. Each cooling station performs multiple functions: cooling the HTS cable section, removing heat from coolant, and maintaining system pressure. This universal design allows the same basic unit to serve various purposes across different cable sections.
2Reliability
If refrigeration systems are tailored to individual cable projects, then the cooling system can meet specific requirements, but the refrigeration system cost becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple identical or similar cooling stations rather than one custom-designed system. Each cooling station is a standardized module that can be manufactured using the same processes and components, significantly reducing development and manufacturing costs compared to a fully customized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling stations are designed as universal, standardized units that can be applied across different cable projects with minimal modification. This standardization allows for economies of scale in manufacturing and maintenance, reducing the overall cost while maintaining reliable performance across multiple applications.
3Power
If coolant flow rate is increased to cool longer cable sections, then cooling capacity improves, but pressure head requirements increase beyond single station capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The total coolant flow requirement is divided among multiple cooling stations, each handling a portion of the total flow. This segmentation allows each station to operate within its pressure head capabilities while collectively providing the cooling power needed for long cable sections. Each station's circulating pump is sized appropriately for its section rather than requiring one oversized pump.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cooling stations are combined in parallel to achieve the total cooling power required for long cable sections. The individual cooling capacities of each station are merged to provide the aggregate cooling power needed, while each station operates at manageable pressure levels suitable for its specific section.
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 increases the total length of HTS cables, reduces costs by enabling the use of standardized refrigeration modules, and maintains consistent operating conditions, enabling longer and more efficient HTS cable operations.
Implementation Method 1
The flow of coolant may undergo a temperature increase as it passes through the HTS cable
Implementation Method 2
The first refrigeration module may be configured to receive the flow of coolant from the HTS cable and to lower the temperature of the flow of coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system includes a first section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a first flow of coolant and to permit the first flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a second section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a second flow of coolant and to permit the second flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a cable joint configured to couple the first section of HTS cable and the second section of HTS cable. The cable joint may be in fluid communication with at least one refrigeration module and may include at least one conduit configured to permit a third flow of coolant between said cable joint and said at least one refrigeration module through a coolant line separate from said first and second sections of HTS cable. Other embodiments and implementations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.