Superconducting Magnet Transit Cooling With Cryogen Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficient transit of superconducting magnets in MRI systems is hindered by the consumption of liquid helium cryogen without refrigeration, leading to temperature rises and potential magnetic quenches, as existing systems lack effective cryogen compression and thermal management during transportation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a compressor to compress cooled cryogen, a thermal management system for heat dissipation, and a power supply, housed in a container with compartments for efficient heat exchange and vibration reduction, ensures continuous refrigeration and maintains the superconducting state of the magnet during transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid helium is used as cryogen to cool the superconducting magnet during transit, then the superconducting state is maintained, but the cryogen is consumed without refrigeration and temperature rises occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cryogen is pre-cooled to a low temperature before transit begins. The compressor is activated at the start of transit to compress the cryogen and generate refrigeration capacity, preventing temperature rise before it occurs rather than responding to it later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive liquid helium bath system with an active compression-refrigeration system. The compressor mechanically compresses the cryogen gas to generate refrigeration capacity, substituting the need for large quantities of liquid helium with an active cooling mechanism that recycles the cryogen.
2Ease of operation
If the superconducting magnet is transported without refrigeration, then transit is simpler, but magnetic quenches occur due to temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static liquid helium bath to a dynamic compression-refrigeration system. The compressor dynamically adjusts cryogen pressure and temperature during transit, maintaining active refrigeration capacity that adapts to changing thermal conditions throughout the transportation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryogen serves dual functions: it acts as both the cooling medium and the refrigerant for the compressor. The same cryogen that cools the superconducting magnet is compressed and circulated to generate refrigeration capacity, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external refrigeration sources.
3Productivity
If a compressor is added to compress the cryogen during transit, then refrigeration capacity is generated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryogen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the superconducting magnet, acts as the refrigerant for the compressor, and provides the working fluid for heat exchange. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity despite adding the compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling system and refrigeration system into a single integrated architecture. The compressor, heat exchangers, and superconducting magnet cooling are combined into one system that uses the same cryogen throughout, eliminating the need for separate liquid helium storage and external refrigeration equipment.
4Loss of substance
If the cryogen temperature rises during transit, then cryogen consumption decreases, but the superconducting magnet risks magnetic quench
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates thermal feedback through heat exchangers that monitor cryogen temperature. The compressor operation is controlled based on thermal conditions, adjusting compression cycles to maintain appropriate refrigeration capacity and prevent temperature rise that would lead to magnetic quench while minimizing cryogen 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
The solution reduces cryogen consumption, prevents magnetic quenches, and facilitates the safe and efficient transportation of superconducting magnets by maintaining a stable low temperature, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the magnets.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress a cryogen after the cryogen cools a superconducting magnet in the transit of the superconducting magnet
Implementation Method 2
the air-cooled device may include a heat exchanger configured to absorb heat generated by the compressor using air
Implementation Method 3
an air-cooled device that is in thermal communication with the compressor via air
Implementation Method 4
the superconducting magnet may need to be exposed at a critical temperature, e.g., close to absolute zero
Implementation Method 5
liquid helium is used as a cryogen to achieve the temperature requirement
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for the transit of a superconducting magnet are provided. The apparatuses may include a compressor configured to compress a cryogen after the cryogen cools a superconducting magnet in the transit of the superconducting magnet. The compressed cryogen may be used to cool the superconducting magnet. The apparatuses may also include a power supply device configured to provide power to the compressor and a thermal management system configured to in thermal communication with the compressor. The apparatuses may further include a container configured to accommodate at least one of the compressor, the thermal management system, and the power supply device.