Smooth-Bore LCP Cryostat for Long-Distance HTS Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high temperature superconductor (HTS) power cable systems face inefficiencies due to metallic alloy cryostats, including thermal inefficiency, electrical conductivity, mechanical challenges, and limitations in long-distance deployment, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting cable system utilizing a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) cryostat with a smooth bore design, which minimizes thermal expansion, reduces pressure losses, and allows for continuous manufacturing and reeling, thereby enabling long-distance HTS power cable deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If corrugated metallic cryostats are used to mechanically resist external loading and support HTS cable, then structural strength is improved, but pressure losses in cryogenic fluid flow increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cryostat by using a smooth-bore design instead of corrugated profile, and selects materials (carbon fibre composite or Invar alloy) with different mechanical properties that can achieve structural strength without the pressure losses associated with corrugated metallic designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) or Invar alloy, to achieve the required structural strength while maintaining a smooth-bore configuration that minimizes pressure losses in cryogenic fluid flow
2Reliability
If independent dielectric insulation layers are added to HTS power cable to ensure electrical insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but outer diameter of the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dielectric insulation function with the cryostat structure by forming the cryostat from electrically insulating materials (carbon fibre composite or Invar alloy), eliminating the need for separate dielectric insulation layers and thereby reducing the overall cable outer diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The cryostat structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical strength, containing cryogenic fluid, and providing electrical insulation, thereby eliminating redundant components and reducing cable diameter
3Quantity of substance
If larger diameter cryostats are used to host multi-layered HTS conductors and sufficient cryogenic fluid, then mass flow rate is improved, but radiative heat ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the cryostat diameter parameter to the minimum required size, allowing adequate cryogenic fluid flow while minimizing the surface area exposed to radiative heat ingress from the external environment
4Loss of energy
If smooth-bore stainless steel cryostats are used to reduce turbulence and pressure losses, then pressure losses are reduced, but thermal contraction requires multiple expansion joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by selecting Invar alloy or carbon fibre composite with low thermal expansion coefficients, allowing the cryostat to accommodate thermal contraction without requiring multiple expansion joints while maintaining smooth-bore configuration for reduced pressure losses
Solution Approach 2:
The use of carbon fibre composite or Invar alloy provides a material solution that combines low thermal expansion with high structural integrity, enabling long-distance cryostat sections without expansion joints
5Strength
If metallic alloy cryostats are used to provide mechanical strength and containment, then structural strength is improved, but thermal insulation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material which provides high structural strength while having inherently low thermal conductivity, thereby improving thermal insulation efficiency compared to metallic alloys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material selection from high-conductivity metallic alloys to low-conductivity composite materials or Invar alloy, achieving the required structural strength with superior thermal insulation properties
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 LCP cryostat system enhances thermal insulation, reduces heat ingress, and decreases the number of insulation layers, allowing for longer operational lengths and lower costs, making long-distance HTS power cable deployment economically and technically feasible.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid crystal polymer cryostat which minimises thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
The LCP cryostat system enhances thermal insulation, reduces heat ingress
Implementation Method 3
reduces pressure losses, and allows for continuous manufacturing and reeling, thereby enabling long-distance HTS power cable deployment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a superconducting cable system designed to facilitate long distance superconducting, the cable system including at least one inner cryostat containing a supply of cryogenic fluid and at least one superconductor extending longitudinally of the inner cryostat and in thermal communication with the cryogenic fluid, the inner cryostat comprising a liquid crystal polymer.