HTS Satellite Electromagnet Cooling With Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting electromagnets for satellite position control face challenges in efficient cooling, particularly in space environments, where traditional cooling methods using liquid helium and nitrogen add significant volume, mass, and complexity, and fail to maintain the superconducting state effectively.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic position control system utilizing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) electromagnets with a cooling system that includes a cryocooler and thermally insulating structural members to maintain the coils below critical temperature, reducing thermal load and power requirements, and using a suspension system to isolate and dampen vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid helium and liquid nitrogen are used as coolants in thermally insulated containers, then the superconducting electromagnets can be cooled below critical temperature, but the volume, mass, and complexity of the satellite system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the outer liquid nitrogen jacket and thermally insulated container from the cooling system, extracting only the essential cooling function needed for superconducting operation. This eliminates the bulk of the thermal insulation infrastructure while maintaining the core cooling capability through direct cryocooler contact with the electromagnet coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryocooler as an intermediary device that directly couples thermal energy removal to the superconducting coils without requiring liquid helium or nitrogen intermediaries. The cryocooler serves as a solid-state thermal pump that achieves the same cooling effect with significantly reduced system mass and complexity.
2Temperature
If liquid helium and liquid nitrogen cooling systems are implemented, then the superconducting state can be maintained, but the satellite system mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, heavy, and complex liquid cryogen storage systems with a more economical solid-state cryocooler system. While the cryocooler requires continuous operation, it eliminates the need for large quantities of liquid helium and nitrogen, significantly reducing overall system mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical liquid pumping and circulation system with a solid-state cryocooler that uses no moving parts in the cold zone. This replacement eliminates the mass of liquid storage tanks, pumping mechanisms, and circulation piping while achieving the same thermal management function.
3Temperature
If traditional cooling methods with outer jackets are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but the satellite system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the outer thermal insulation jacket from the system, eliminating the voluminous protective shell that traditionally surrounded superconducting electromagnets. The cooling system is reconfigured to operate without this external insulation layer, reducing the overall volume occupied by the cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the electromagnet structure by mounting the cryocooler directly to the coil assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate insulation chambers and creates a compact, space-efficient cooling arrangement that occupies minimal satellite volume.
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
The system enables efficient generation of intense magnetic fields with reduced energy consumption, compact design, and effective thermal management, allowing for precise satellite orientation and maneuverability in space.
Implementation Method 1
the first, second and third coil are formed of a superconductor, a cooling element configured to cool the first, second and third coils below the critical temperature of the superconductor
Implementation Method 2
a cooling element configured to cool the first, second and third coils below the critical temperature of the superconductor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating magnetic fields in one or more axis, the system comprising a primary electromagnet comprising a first coil having a first axis wherein the first coil is formed of a superconductor, a cooling element configured to cool the first coil below the critical temperature of the superconductor, a power source configured to energise the primary and secondary and electromagnets, wherein the primary electromagnet comprises a frame member, and wherein the frame member is suspended from at least one bracket by a thermally insulating structural member and/or a thermally insulating spring.