Remote actuated cryocooler for superconducting generator and method of assembling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual detachment and reattachment of cryocooler coldheads in remote locations, such as wind turbine nacelles, are costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient due to the need for manual movement and potential loss of thermal engagement as components shrink during the cooling process.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler assembly with an actuator that translates the coldhead into thermal engagement with the heat load and maintains constant pressure, ensuring continuous thermal contact as the heat load shrinks, utilizing a vacuum vessel and cryocooler positioned within it, with a method for assembling this assembly near a superconducting generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual detachment and reattachment of cryocooler coldheads is performed in remote locations, then thermal engagement can be established, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cryocooler system performs self-adjustment through automated actuators that detect and respond to thermal engagement requirements without manual intervention. The actuator automatically translates the coldhead to establish thermal contact with the heat load and maintains pressure during cooling operations, eliminating the need for costly manual operations in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated actuator system that uses mechanical translation and pressure control mechanisms. The actuator automatically positions the coldhead and maintains constant pressure during the cooling process, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated control systems.
2Reliability
If cryocooler coldhead maintains constant pressure against heat load, then thermal engagement is maintained during cooling, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system serves multiple functions: it translates the coldhead into position, maintains constant pressure during cooling, and ensures continuous thermal engagement. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the overall system complexity is managed while achieving reliable thermal contact maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the actuator continuously monitors and adjusts the coldhead position and pressure to maintain constant contact with the heat load during thermal contraction. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable thermal engagement while automating the pressure maintenance function.
3Ease of operation
If automated actuator system is implemented for remote cryocooler operation, then manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated actuator system operates autonomously in remote locations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the coldhead position and pressure maintenance throughout the cooling process, providing ease of remote operation while managing complexity through automation rather than simplified manual controls.
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
Facilitates efficient and automated cooling of superconducting generators by maintaining thermal engagement and reducing the need for manual intervention, enabling remote operation and minimizing the use of additional cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to translate the coldhead into thermal engagement with the heat load and to maintain constant pressure of the coldhead against the heat load to facilitate maintaining thermal engagement
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum vessel surrounding the heat load
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a cryocooler assembly for cooling a heat load is provided. The cryocooler assembly includes a vacuum vessel surrounding the heat load and a cryocooler at least partially inserted into the vacuum vessel, the cryocooler including a coldhead. The assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the cryocooler. The actuator is configured to translate the cryocooler coldhead into thermal engagement with the heat load and to maintain constant pressure of the coldhead against the heat load to facilitate maintaining thermal engagement with the heat load as the heat load shrinks during a cool down process.