Method and device for cooling a consumer and system with corresponding device and consumers
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling devices for high-temperature superconductor cables and busbars are inefficient in terms of space requirements, particularly for cooling over longer distances, as they often require extensive installation space for reservoirs and closed cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that rearranges the placement of reservoirs and closed cooling devices to minimize space usage by positioning them at one end of the cooling section, with a vacuum pump at the other end, allowing for efficient circulation of liquid nitrogen through separate cooling passages and reducing nitrogen losses by compensating with fresh nitrogen from a reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling devices are used to cool HTSL cables over longer distances, then the cooling function is provided, but the space requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir and the closed cooling device into a single integrated unit located at one end of the cooling section. This merging eliminates the need for separate installations and reduces the total installation space while maintaining the cooling function for HTSL cables over extended distances
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a reservoir for liquid nitrogen and a closed cooling device. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide cooling over longer distances without requiring additional space for separate components
2Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is circulated through cooling passages, then cooling is provided, but nitrogen losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where nitrogen losses are continuously monitored and compensated by introducing fresh nitrogen from the reservoir. This feedback loop ensures that nitrogen losses are minimized while maintaining the cooling capability throughout the cooling section
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses nitrogen by circulating it through the cooling passages and returning it to the reservoir. This recovery process minimizes nitrogen losses while maintaining continuous cooling operation
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 reduces installation space requirements and minimizes nitrogen and cold losses by optimizing the placement of cooling system components, enabling effective cooling of high-temperature superconductor cables and busbars over extended lengths without the need for extensive space.
Implementation Method 1
The first cooling is carried out using a first subcooled nitrogen bath
Implementation Method 2
The second cooling is carried out using a second subcooled nitrogen bath
Implementation Method 3
at least partially by pressure reduction to a sub-atmospheric pressure level
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for cooling a consumer (1) via a cooling section extending between a first end and a second end, wherein liquid nitrogen in the form of a circulating stream (2) is repeatedly subjected to a first cooling, supplied to the cooling section at the first end, transported from the first end to the second end along the cooling section, extracted from the cooling section at the second end, subjected to a second cooling, supplied to the cooling section at the second end, transported from the second end to the first end along the cooling section, and extracted from the cooling section at the first end, the first cooling being carried out using a first subcooled nitrogen bath and the second cooling being carried out using a second subcooled nitrogen bath.The following is proposed: the first nitrogen bath is at least partially subcooled by means of a closed cooling device (11), and the second nitrogen bath is at least partially subcooled by pressure reduction to a sub-atmospheric pressure level; and any amount of nitrogen evaporating from the second nitrogen bath due to the pressure reduction to the sub-atmospheric pressure level is at least partially compensated for from a reservoir (8). It is provided that liquid nitrogen is withdrawn from the reservoir (8) and introduced into the circulating flow (2) before the circulating flow (2) is fed to the cooling section at the first end, and that liquid nitrogen is withdrawn from the circulating flow (2) and at least partially fed to the second nitrogen bath after the circulating flow (2) is withdrawn from the cooling section at the second end. A corresponding device and system (100, 200, 300,400) from such a device and a corresponding consumer (1) are also the subject of the present invention.