Remote Cryocooler Thermal Isolation for Superconducting Generators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic cooling systems with multiple cryocoolers face parasitic heat introduction when a cryocooler is in an idling or OFF-state, due to thermal radiation and conduction, which is not effectively managed, leading to inefficiencies and potential system heating.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler assembly with a remotely driven cryocooler, a liquefaction cup, and components like a valve, gas/liquid switch, support arm, and heat pipe, allowing for remote disconnection of the heat path between stages during OFF-state operation, preventing parasitic heat introduction and enabling efficient idling of cryocoolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cryocooler is installed in an idling or OFF-state for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but parasitic heat is introduced to the system through thermal radiation and conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heat path from the system by implementing a thermal isolation mechanism that disconnects the second stage of the cryocooler from the cryogenic fluid reservoir when the cryocooler is in an idling or OFF-state. This prevents parasitic heat from being conducted through the cooler tube to the superconducting coil, while maintaining the cryocooler's availability for redundant operation.
2Loss of energy
If a cryocooler is permanently running to avoid parasitic heat, then cooling efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption increases and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic thermal isolation system where the heat path connection between the second stage and cryogenic fluid reservoir can be remotely controlled. The system transitions between connected and isolated states based on operational requirements, allowing the cryocooler to be thermally connected when needed and thermally isolated when idling, thus optimizing energy consumption while maintaining cooling efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple cryocoolers are installed for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal isolation mechanism as an intermediary component between the second stage of the cryocooler and the cryogenic fluid reservoir. This intermediary allows for remote control of the heat path, enabling multiple cryocoolers to be installed for redundancy without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each cryocooler can be independently managed with the same isolation mechanism.
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 solution effectively prevents parasitic heat introduction during idling, maintaining system cooling efficiency and reducing heat loads, allowing for seamless transition between operational and non-operational cryocoolers without compromising cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of a valve, a gas/liquid switch, a support arm and a heat pipe are coupled to the second stage of the cryocooler assembly to remotely disconnect a heat path generated by the at least one remotely driven cryocooler
Implementation Method 2
parasitic heat to the system, caused by one or more of thermal radiation and thermal conduction along the cooler tube
Data Source
AI summary
A cryocooler assembly including at least one remotely driven cryocooler operable between an ON-state of operation and an OFF-state of operation and defining a first stage of the cryocooler assembly. A liquefaction cup in fluidic communication with a cryogenic fluid reservoir, wherein a plurality of conduits thermally couple the liquefaction cup to the fluid reservoir and define a second stage of the cryocooler assembly. The cryocooler assembly further including one or more of a valve, a gas/liquid switch, an actuating support arm and a heat pipe coupled to the second stage of the cryocooler assembly to remotely disconnect a heat path generated by the at least one remotely driven cryocooler between the first stage and the second stage during the OFF-state of operation. A superconducting generator including at least one remotely driven cryocooler assembly and method of operating a cooling assembly for a superconducting generator utilizing at least one remotely driven cryocooler assembly are disclosed.