Hydrogen-Helium Cooling Loop for Superconducting Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat transfer systems for superconducting electric machines face inefficiencies in cooling superconductors at cryogenic temperatures, particularly in maintaining superconducting transition temperatures below 40 Kelvin, which affects the performance and energy efficiency of these machines.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system utilizing a mixture of hydrogen and helium, with concentrations between 2% and 5% hydrogen and 95% to 98% helium, is employed in a closed loop configuration to thermally couple with both stator and rotor windings, enhancing thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency while maintaining non-flammability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional cooling system is used for superconducting electric machines, then the system structure is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency at cryogenic temperatures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cooling system by using a hydrogen-helium gas mixture instead of conventional liquids, operating at cryogenic temperatures (below 40K) to achieve superior thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency at these extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite fluid system consisting of hydrogen and helium gases in specific proportions (2-5% hydrogen, 95-98% helium), combining the advantages of both gases to achieve optimal thermal properties for cryogenic cooling of superconductors
2Temperature
If hydrogen is used as cooling fluid, then thermal conductivity increases, but flammability risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite gas mixture where hydrogen (2-5%) provides high thermal conductivity while helium (95-98%) acts as an inert diluent that suppresses flammability, achieving both thermal performance and safety requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses helium as an inert atmosphere to dilute the hydrogen concentration to levels below flammability thresholds while maintaining adequate thermal conductivity for effective cooling of superconducting components
3Volume of moving object
If smaller heat exchangers and pumps are used, then system size decreases, but heat removal capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal properties parameter by using the hydrogen-helium mixture with superior thermal conductivity at cryogenic temperatures, allowing smaller heat exchanger components to achieve the same heat removal capability as larger conventional systems
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 hydrogen-helium mixture significantly increases thermal conductivity, allowing for efficient heat removal from superconducting windings, reducing temperature differences, and enhancing energy efficiency by enabling smaller pumps and heat exchangers, thus maintaining superconductivity and improving overall machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
A first fluid comprising a non-flammable mixture of hydrogen and helium is provided to the stator and rotor windings
Implementation Method 2
A cooling system utilizing a mixture of hydrogen and helium, with concentrations between 2% and 5% hydrogen and 95% to 98% helium, is employed in a closed loop configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a superconducting electric machine may comprise a fluid reservoir and a first fluid comprising a first mixture of hydrogen and helium configured to be stored in the fluid reservoir. A plurality of conduits may be fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir and may form a closed loop between the fluid reservoir and the superconducting electric machine.