Superconducting Magnet Switch Assembly for Low-Boiloff Cryogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting magnet assemblies face challenges with high helium boiloff and slow switching times due to inefficiencies in cryogen management and switching mechanisms, particularly in cryogenic environments and magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a switch assembly with a thermosyphon tube, pressure valves, and a cryogen gas loop that isolates the switch from the rest of the cryogen flow, reducing helium boiloff and enhancing switching speed by efficiently managing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the switch is in direct thermal contact with the main cryogen flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but helium boiloff increases and switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosyphon tube is divided into multiple sections with different thermal conductivities. The first section has high thermal conductivity for efficient cooling, while the second section has low thermal conductivity to limit heat transfer and reduce boiloff. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both efficient switch cooling and reduced helium consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the thermosyphon tube are given different thermal properties tailored to their specific functions. The section near the switch requires high thermal conductivity for rapid cooling, while the section extending into the cryogen flow requires low thermal conductivity to minimize heat extraction from the main cryogen reservoir, thereby reducing boiloff.
2Reliability
If the switch assembly uses conventional pressure valves, then valve function is achieved, but operation is impossible in magnetic fields and cryogenic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure valve is redesigned with materials and structural parameters specifically selected for cryogenic operation and magnetic field compatibility. The bellows assembly uses materials that maintain flexibility and sealing at low temperatures, while non-magnetic materials are used for components in the magnetic field path, allowing the valve to function reliably in the superconducting magnet environment.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the thermosyphon tube extends extensively into the cryogen flow, then heat transfer is improved, but helium consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosyphon tube is segmented into functional zones with different thermal characteristics, allowing efficient heat transfer near the switch while limiting excessive heat extraction from the main cryogen supply, thereby optimizing the balance between cooling performance and helium consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosyphon tube exhibits spatially varying thermal conductivity, with high conductivity near the switch for effective cooling and low conductivity in the extension region to minimize parasitic heat transfer and reduce overall helium consumption.
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 significantly reduces helium boiloff and accelerates switching times, improving the operational efficiency and reducing costs associated with cryogen consumption and system maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosyphon tube configured to carry cryogen therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The bellows assembly is coupled with the valve head and in communication with the valve head. The plunger extends from the bellows assembly and is moveable between a first position and a second position farther away from the bellows assembly than the first position via a pressure change in the gas chamber.
Implementation Method 3
The plunger extends from the bellows assembly and is moveable between a first position and a second position farther away from the bellows assembly than the first position via a pressure change in the gas chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet assembly is provided. The magnet assembly includes a magnet and a switch assembly coupled to the magnet. The switch assembly includes a thermosyphon tube configured to carry cryogen therethrough, a switch, a first pressure valve, and a second pressure valve. The switch is configured to switch between a resistive mode and a superconducting mode, wherein the switch is in thermal contact with the thermosyphon tube. The first pressure valve and the second pressure valve are positioned on the thermosyphon tube and configured to control flow of the cryogen in the thermosyphon tube, and the switch is positioned between the first pressure valve and the second pressure valve. The magnet is configured to generate a polarizing magnetic field based on switching of the switch between the resistive mode and the superconducting mode.