MRI Cooling Circuit Segmentation for Lower Pump Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance apparatuses require continuous cooling, leading to high energy consumption due to the continuous operation of the main magnet, with existing cooling systems struggling to efficiently manage dynamic heat output variations and component-specific cooling needs.
Innovation Solution
A dual-circuit cooling system with separate partial circuits for permanent and examination-mode components, using a flow rate setting apparatus and control apparatus to optimize coolant flow based on operating states, reducing pump output and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cooling circuit is used for all components, then the cooling system can provide continuous cooling coverage, but the pump must operate at high power to meet peak cooling demands, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is divided into a first partial circuit for permanently powered components and a second partial circuit for examination-mode components. This segmentation allows the pump to operate at lower power during standby mode by only circulating coolant through the first partial circuit, while still maintaining reliable cooling coverage for critical components.
2Power
If the pump operates at high power to meet peak cooling demands, then all components can be cooled effectively during examination, but energy is wasted during standby operation when full cooling capacity is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump power based on operating mode. During standby operation, the pump operates at reduced power for the first partial circuit only. During examination mode, the pump automatically increases power to cool both partial circuits, eliminating energy waste while maintaining adequate cooling capacity when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If coolant flow is reduced to save energy, then pump power consumption decreases, but the ability to cool components with dynamic heat output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cooling circuit into two partial circuits with different operational requirements, the system can reduce overall coolant flow during standby mode while maintaining adequate flow through the first partial circuit for permanently powered components. During examination mode, flow is increased to both circuits, maintaining cooling adaptability without excessive energy consumption during low-demand periods.
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
Significantly reduces energy usage by up to 0.1 to 1 MWh per year by minimizing pump power and adjusting coolant flow according to specific component needs, while maintaining effective cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant is circulated by means of a pump in a cooling circuit of the cooling apparatus
Implementation Method 2
heat is transferred via a heat exchanger to the primary water of the client
Implementation Method 3
the water is fed, in particular, through a so-called 'chiller,' which releases heat to the external air
Implementation Method 4
to use a mixing battery for the coolant, which mixes hot and cold coolant to achieve a stable and/or desired coolant temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a magnetic resonance apparatus having a superconducting main magnet, a magnet cooler for the main magnet and a cooling apparatus for the magnet cooler and further components of the magnetic resonance apparatus that are to be cooled. The cooling apparatus has a cooling circuit with a coolant that can be conveyed via a pump for circulation, and the cooling circuit has a first partial circuit to which the magnet cooler is coupled for cooling, at least one second partial circuit for the further components and a common portion, and at least the second partial circuit has a flow rate setting apparatus for setting the coolant flow rate through the partial circuit and associated with the cooling apparatus is a control apparatus, which is configured for actuating the pump and/or the flow rate setting apparatus dependent upon an operating state information item of the magnetic resonance apparatus.