Integrated cooling circuit for use with a superconducting magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI systems with superconducting magnets face challenges in efficiently achieving and maintaining the necessary low operating temperature, requiring complex and costly dual cooling circuits for pre-cooling and operational cooling, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cooling circuit that shares a single set of cooling tubes for both forced-flow pre-cooling and closed-loop thermosiphon cooling, using a mode selector valve to determine the operational mode, simplifying the cooling system and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dual cooling circuit system is used for pre-cooling and operational cooling of superconducting magnets, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-cooling circuit and operational cooling circuit into a single integrated cooling circuit. The same cooling tubes and cryogen circulation path are used for both pre-cooling the superconducting magnet to cryogenic temperatures and for maintaining operational cooling during MRI scans. This eliminates the need for separate dual cooling circuits while maintaining both cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling circuit is designed to perform multiple functions using the same components. The cooling tubes, cryogen storage, and circulation system serve both as pre-cooling infrastructure and as operational cooling infrastructure. The system transitions between pre-cooling mode and operational cooling mode using valve control, allowing one system to fulfill multiple cooling roles.
2Temperature
If a dual cooling circuit system is used for pre-cooling and operational cooling, then the cooling capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining pre-cooling and operational cooling into a single circuit, the patent reduces the total number of cooling tubes, valves, and cryogen handling components required. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs, installation expenses, and maintenance requirements while maintaining both cooling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal cooling circuit design allows the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, eliminating redundant components. The cryogen storage vessel, cooling tubes, and circulation system are used for both pre-cooling and operational cooling, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full cooling capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate pre-cooling and operational cooling circuits are used, then the cooling functions are optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic valve control to enable the single cooling circuit to operate in different modes. A mode selector valve and control valves allow the system to dynamically switch between pre-cooling mode (with forced flow) and operational cooling mode (with thermosiphon circulation), optimizing performance for each phase while maintaining a single physical circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling circuit is designed as a universal system that performs both pre-cooling and operational cooling functions. The same cooling tubes, cryogen paths, and thermal contact structures serve both purposes, reducing complexity while maintaining functional optimization through mode-specific operational parameters.
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 integrated cooling circuit effectively provides both pre-cooling and operational cooling functions, reducing the complexity and cost of the cooling system while maintaining the superconducting magnet at the required temperature, enhancing the efficiency of MRI operations.
Implementation Method 1
a recondensor configured to recondense cryogen from vapor to liquid
Implementation Method 2
a superconducting magnet comprising a set of magnet coils disposed on a cylindrical coil support structure and a cooling system configured to cool at least the set of magnet coils
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of cooling tubes in fluid communication with the storage vessel and configured to cool the set of magnet coils during operation
Implementation Method 4
closed-loop thermosiphon cooling
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to using an integrated cooling circuit to provide both forced-flow pre-cooling functionality and closed-loop thermosiphon cooling for persistent mode operation of a superconducting magnet. In one embodiment, the integrated cooling circuit shares a single set of cooling tubes for use with both the forced-flow pre-cooling circuit as well as the closed-loop operating-state cooling circuit.