HTS Cable Cooling System with Segmented Refrigeration
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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 and inefficient cooling processes.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that divides coolant streams into multiple sections of HTS cables, using multiple refrigeration modules and pressure control units to maintain consistent pressure and re-cool/re-pressurize the coolant, allowing for longer cable lengths and standardized refrigeration modules, thereby reducing costs.
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 structure is simple, but the cable length is limited due to limited pressure head and cooling power
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling stations, each serving a specific cable section. The cable is segmented into multiple sections with individual cooling loops, allowing each segment to be optimized independently while collectively achieving longer total cable length beyond the limitations of a single cooling station.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration systems are tailored to individual cable projects, then the cooling system can meet specific project requirements, but the refrigeration system cost becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system employs standardized, modular cooling station designs that can be universally applied across different cable projects. These modular units can be replicated and combined in various configurations to meet different project requirements, eliminating the need for custom-designed refrigeration systems for each cable project while maintaining adaptability through modular assembly.
3Power
If the coolant flow rate is increased to cool longer cable sections, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the pressure head requirements become unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The total coolant flow requirement is segmented across multiple cooling stations, each handling a portion of the total cooling load. This distribution allows each station to operate at manageable pressure heads while collectively providing the necessary cooling capacity for the entire cable system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cooling stations act as intermediary cooling points along the cable route, progressively removing heat from the coolant as it flows through different cable sections. This distributed approach eliminates the need for a single high-pressure system to cool the entire cable length.
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 enables longer HTS cable lengths, reduces refrigeration system costs by allowing for standardized modules, and maintains consistent operating conditions, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
cryogenic cooling systems with circulating sub-cooled liquid nitrogen are often used to maintain the HTS cable in a superconducting state
Implementation Method 2
Superconductivity refers to a state of materials in which the electrical resistance becomes zero when the material is cooled to a sufficiently low temperature
Implementation Method 3
The coolant circulates through the cooling loop extracting heat from the HTS cable
Implementation Method 4
at least one pressure control unit operatively connected with each section of HTS cable. The at least one pressure control unit is configured to maintain a consistent operating pressure throughout each section of HTS cable
Data Source
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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.