Plasma Window Cooling Plate With 4-Jet Impingement Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beam accelerator systems, particularly gaseous-target neutron generation systems, face challenges in reducing the cost and energy required to generate neutrons and radioactive isotopes due to high energy demands and heat generation, which traditional cooling methods struggle to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plasma window system with cooling plates featuring a central wall and impingement and return channels for efficient heat transfer, using a 4-jet impingement cooling channel design that directs cooling fluid to impinge on the central wall, effectively transferring heat from the plasma channel to the cooling fluid and managing pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cooling methods are used for plasma window components in beam accelerator systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient to manage the high heat generation from the ion beam
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central wall surrounding the aperture, a cooling chamber surrounding the central wall, impingement channels extending toward the aperture, and return channels at the outer edge. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized cooling functions, with impingement channels directing high-velocity cooling fluid directly at the hottest central wall area, thereby significantly improving cooling efficiency where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system implements local quality by concentrating cooling resources where heat generation is highest. The impingement channels are specifically positioned and configured to direct cooling fluid jets at the central wall surrounding the aperture, which experiences the most intense heating from the ion beam. This localized intensive cooling approach optimizes thermal management without requiring uniform cooling across the entire plate structure.
2Temperature
If cooling fluid flow rate is increased to improve heat transfer, then cooling efficiency improves, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impingement channels are configured to deliver cooling fluid dynamically and efficiently to the central wall. The channel geometry and positioning create optimized flow paths that maintain high cooling effectiveness while managing pressure drop. The system balances fluid velocity and flow distribution to achieve superior heat transfer without excessive pressure losses that would require higher pumping power.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from conventional two-dimensional cooling channels to a three-dimensional impingement cooling architecture. Cooling fluid is delivered through impingement channels that extend toward the aperture and terminate in a cooling chamber, creating a multi-dimensional cooling approach. This allows cooling fluid to impinge directly on the central wall from multiple directions, significantly enhancing heat transfer efficiency while managing pressure drop through optimized spatial distribution.
3Reliability
If conventional cooling channel designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the maximum aperture and cooling channel temperatures are too high for reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is divided into distinct functional segments: a central wall surrounding the aperture, a cooling chamber surrounding the central wall, impingement channels extending toward the aperture, and return channels at the outer edge. This segmentation enables targeted cooling of the critical central wall area, ensuring temperatures remain within reliable operating limits while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar cooling channels to a three-dimensional impingement cooling structure with channels extending toward the aperture and terminating in a cooling chamber. This multi-dimensional configuration allows cooling fluid to directly impinge on the central wall, dramatically improving heat removal capability and ensuring reliable operation temperatures are maintained while preserving manufacturing feasibility.
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 design enhances cooling efficiency, reducing the maximum aperture and cooling channel temperatures while maintaining acceptable pressure drops, thereby improving the performance and longevity of plasma window components in high-energy beam accelerator systems.
Implementation Method 1
transferring heat from the plasma channel to the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
flows as a heated cooling fluid into the one or more return channels
Data Source
AI summary
A beam accelerator system comprises an ion accelerator that generates an ion beam, a low-pressure chamber, an anode, a plasma window, and a cathode housing. The plasma window comprises a plurality of cooling plates. Each cooling plate comprises a central wall surrounding the aperture, a cooling chamber surrounding the central wall, one or more impingement channels, and one or more return channels. Each of the impingement channels and return channels enter the cooling plate from an outer edge of the cooling plate and extend toward the aperture to the cooling chamber. Each of the one or more impingement channels are configured to provide an entrance pathway for cooling fluid to enter the cooling chamber and each of the one or more return channels are configured to provide an exit pathway for heated fluid to exit the cooling chamber.