Quenching Superconducting Magnet for Electromagnetic Pulse Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting magnets experience quench events due to exceeding temperature, current, or magnetic field thresholds, leading to a loss of superconducting properties and resulting in electromagnetic radiation that is not effectively harnessed for energy capture.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a superconducting magnet coil with separated windings, a charging circuit to induce a quench condition by varying current or temperature, and a receiver circuit to convert electromagnetic radiation into usable electrical power, allowing for controlled quench events and energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If current is increased to exceed superconducting threshold to generate electromagnetic pulse, then electromagnetic radiation is produced, but energy is lost during quench event
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful quench event, which traditionally results in energy loss and magnet shutdown, into a beneficial electromagnetic pulse source. By intentionally inducing quench conditions in controlled no-insulation superconducting magnets, the system generates usable electromagnetic radiation that can be captured and utilized, transforming an adverse phenomenon into a useful energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces receiver circuits with inductive elements as intermediaries to capture electromagnetic energy from quench events. These receiver circuits act as mediators between the superconducting magnet and the load, enabling energy transfer during the quench process without direct electrical connection, thus capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no-insulation structure is used to enable cross-turn current flow, then quench propagation occurs, but inductance decreases causing uncontrolled voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the state of superconducting magnets and using this information to control the timing and conditions of quench induction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliability by ensuring quench events occur only when desired, preventing uncontrolled voltage spikes while still enabling quench propagation when needed for electromagnetic pulse generation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If superconducting properties are maintained to store energy losslessly, then magnetic field stability is achieved, but energy cannot be rapidly extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control by enabling the superconducting magnet to transition between stable superconducting states and controlled quench states. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain magnetic field stability during normal operation and then rapidly extract energy through controlled quench events, achieving both stability and fast energy release on demand.
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
Enables the efficient conversion of electromagnetic pulses generated during quench events into electrical power, which can be used to drive loads or charge batteries, effectively addressing the energy loss associated with superconducting magnet quenching.
Implementation Method 1
One type of superconducting magnet is formed from a superconducting material that is wound into a coil. When current flows through the coil it produced a magnetic field. Because of the zero resistance of superconductors, superconducting magnetics can store energy losslessly in magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
Such a quench propagates electromagnetically and has been termed a 'quench tsunami' and a 'quench avalanche'. a loss of inductance due to the quench condition causes electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a receiver circuit comprising an inductive element positioned so that the inductive element is mutually-coupled to the coil and the electromagnetic radiation causes a voltage to be induced across the inductive element
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic pulse source comprises a superconducting magnet comprising a coil of superconducting material. At least a portion of the windings of the coil are separated by an electric conductor. A charging circuit is coupled to the two terminals to drive a current through the coil to charge the superconducting magnet and configured to charge the coil to a condition such that the coil enters a quench condition where current flows from one turn of the coil to another turn of the coil through the electric conductor. The quench event may cause a loss of inductance and resulting electromagnetic radiation. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive element is positioned so that the inductive element is mutually-coupled to the coil and the electromagnetic radiation causes a voltage to be induced across the inductive element.