Liquid Neon Thermosiphon Cooling for Compact HTS Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling methods for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are energy-intensive, complex, and costly, with helium-based systems posing logistical challenges and requiring bulky infrastructure, especially for large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermosiphon system utilizing two-phase liquid neon (LNe) for cooling HTS magnets, which operates at 27 K, offering higher heat of vaporization and efficiency, allowing for compact and efficient heat removal with reduced refrigeration power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid helium cooling systems are used for HTS magnets, then the magnets can be cooled to the necessary temperatures for superconductivity, but the systems become energy-intensive, complex, and costly with logistical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from 4.2 K (liquid helium) to 27 K (liquid neon). This parameter change allows HTS magnets to operate at a higher temperature where they still maintain superconductivity, thereby enabling the use of liquid neon instead of liquid helium. The result is a simpler, less expensive cooling system with reduced logistical challenges while maintaining the necessary cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes liquid neon for liquid helium as the cooling medium. Liquid neon is more readily available, less expensive, and does not present the same logistical challenges as liquid helium. Although neon requires periodic replenishment, its lower cost and easier availability make it a practical replacement that reduces system complexity and operational costs.
2Temperature
If liquid helium cooling systems are used for HTS magnets, then the magnets can be cooled to the necessary temperatures, but the systems require bulky infrastructure and are expensive to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating temperature from 4.2 K to 27 K, the patent significantly reduces the refrigeration power requirement. Cooling to 27 K requires much less energy than cooling to 4.2 K, as the temperature differential from ambient conditions is smaller. This parameter change directly addresses the high energy consumption and expensive maintenance associated with liquid helium systems.
3Loss of energy
If liquid helium thermosiphons are used for cooling HTS magnets, then heat can be removed from the magnets, but the systems are large and require significant volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cooling medium from liquid helium to liquid neon, which has a much higher heat of vaporization (100 kJ/liter vs. 2.5 kJ/liter). This parameter change allows the same heat removal capability to be achieved in a much more compact volume. A liquid neon thermosiphon can sustain a heat load approximately 40 times higher than a similar liquid helium thermosiphon, dramatically reducing the volume required for the cooling system.
4Volume of stationary object
If liquid neon is used for cooling HTS magnets, then the heat of vaporization is much higher allowing compact cooling, but the system must be designed to operate at 27 K instead of 4.2 K
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces the temperature parameter change from 4.2 K to 27 K as a beneficial modification rather than a constraint. This higher operating temperature is perfectly suited for HTS magnets, which are designed to operate in this temperature range. The parameter change enables the use of liquid neon's superior heat of vaporization properties, achieving compact cooling system volume while maintaining optimal operating conditions for HTS materials.
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 LNe thermosiphon system provides efficient, compact, and cost-effective cooling, enabling rapid cooldown and stable operation of HTS magnets with reduced energy consumption and logistical challenges, suitable for various applications including MRI and magnetic fusion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosiphon circuit configured to circulate liquid neon, driven by a thermal load from one or more HTS coils and associated current leads
Implementation Method 2
LNe possesses a much higher heat of vaporization per unit volume compared to liquid helium
Implementation Method 3
a thermosiphon circuit configured to circulate liquid neon, driven by a thermal load
Implementation Method 4
a phase separator configured to receive neon vapor and condense it into liquid neon
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the cryocooler
Implementation Method 6
a cryocooler; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the cryocooler
Implementation Method 7
LNe possesses a much higher heat of vaporization per unit volume compared to liquid helium, approximately 100 kJ/liter versus 2.5 kJ/liter
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid neon (LNe) thermosiphon system for cooling a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet is disclosed. The system may include a phase separator vacuum vessel enclosing a cryocooler, a heat exchanger, and a phase separator configured to condense circulating neon gas into liquid phase. A thermosiphon circuit comprising a LNe supply line, return line, and one or more coil cooling lines circulates the liquid neon to and from the HTS coil and associated magnet current leads. The circulation is driven passively by the thermal load of the HTS magnet, enabling heat to be removed without mechanical pumps. The coil is housed within a vacuum-insulated coil vessel to minimize thermal losses. The vertical orientation of the HTS coil allows gravitational assistance in the return flow of cryogen, optimizing system performance. This compact and pressure-tolerant design facilitates integration in superconducting systems implementing efficient and stable cryogenic cooling.