Modular Superconducting Generator Cryostat Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current superconducting wind generators face issues with reliability, maintenance, and logistics due to large, fragile cryostats and torque tubes, leading to single point failures, high costs, and impracticality for high-power wind systems, especially in remote or offshore locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with multiple small cryostats and a warm rotor structure, eliminating the need for a large cryostat and torque tube, allowing for on-site repair and redundancy, reducing weight and increasing reliability, and using MgB2 superconductors for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional superconducting designs with large single cryostat and torque tube are used, then superconducting efficiency is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to single point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large cryostat into multiple smaller cryostats, each containing its own superconducting coils. This segmentation eliminates single point failures because if one cryostat fails, the others can continue operating, thus improving reliability while maintaining superconducting efficiency through multiple independent superconducting pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different thermal zones within the generator - some areas are cryogenic (containing superconducting coils in cryostats) while other areas are warm (containing the gearbox and other mechanical components). This local quality differentiation allows the superconducting portions to operate at low temperatures for efficiency while the mechanical portions operate at ambient temperatures for reliability.
2Weight of moving object
If direct drive superconducting generators are used, then weight is reduced compared to conventional systems, but transportation and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into modular segments including multiple cryostats that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual transportable units while maintaining the overall lightweight advantage of superconducting technology, making transportation and installation more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a modular design where components can be dynamically assembled and disassembled. The cryostats and other components are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing the system to be transported in manageable pieces and quickly installed or repaired on-site, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining weight advantages.
3Reliability
If traditional YBCO and BSCCO superconducting materials are used, then superconducting performance is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from expensive traditional superconductors (YBCO, BSCCO) to more cost-effective superconducting materials that can operate at higher temperatures. This parameter change in material composition and operating temperature reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate superconducting performance for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a modular cryostat design where individual cryostats can be replaced if needed, rather than requiring replacement of the entire expensive superconducting system. This approach reduces the effective cost by allowing localized replacement of only the necessary components.
4Reliability
If large single cryostat design is used, then superconducting containment is achieved, but maintenance and repair difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single large cryostat is segmented into multiple smaller cryostats that can be independently accessed and maintained. This segmentation allows technicians to work on individual cryostats without disturbing the entire system, significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance while maintaining adequate superconducting containment through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular cryostat design allows for dynamic maintenance where individual units can be removed, serviced, or replaced without shutting down the entire generator. This dynamic maintenance capability greatly improves ease of repair compared to fixed large cryostat designs.
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 design enhances reliability, reduces maintenance costs, and facilitates easier transportation and installation of high-power wind generators, making them economically viable for 5-20 MW systems by minimizing weight and logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The first cryostat (450) encloses at least one of a plurality of superconducting coils (480). A first coil (480) is in superconducting electrical communication with a second coil (480) contained in the second cryostat (450)
Implementation Method 2
A first coil (480) is in superconducting electrical communication with a second coil (480) contained in the second cryostat (450) through at least one superconducting conduction cooling cable (465)
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting electrical generator or motor having a plurality of cryostats is described. The cryostats contain coolant and a first cryostat encloses at least one of a plurality of superconducting coils. A first coil is in superconducting electrical communication with a second coil contained in a second cryostat through a superconducting conduction cooling cable enclosing a conductor. The first cryostat and the second cryostat may be in fluid communication through at least one cryogen channel within the at least one superconducting conduction cooling cable. In other embodiments, none of the plurality of cryostats may be in fluid communication and the cable may be cooled by conduction along the conductor from the first or second cryostat, or from both. The conductor may have different segments at temperatures equal to or above the temperature of the coolant and the superconducting conduction cooling cables may be connected through quick connect fittings.