Split Cooling Circuits for MRI Magnet Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance systems face high energy consumption and operational costs due to inefficient cooling systems, particularly in superconducting magnets, where constant cooling is required, and existing modes do not adapt to heat load variations, leading to constant power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dual cooling circuit system where a dedicated circuit for the magnetic unit and separate circuits for other components allow for selective operation based on activity state, using a control device to manage pump settings and flow rates, enabling energy-saving by switching off inactive circuits and optimizing coolant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cooling circuit is used for all components including the magnet unit, then the cooling system can maintain continuous operation, but the power consumption increases because the pump must run continuously even when some components do not require cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling circuits, each dedicated to specific components. The first cooling circuit cools the magnet unit while the second cooling circuit cools other components such as the gradient system. This segmentation allows independent control of each circuit, enabling the pump to operate only when necessary for each specific component, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable cooling where needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the pump speed is adjusted to match heat load variations, then energy consumption can be reduced, but the cooling system cannot respond quickly enough to sudden increases in heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the operating state of the magnetic resonance system and proactively adjusts the pump speed in advance based on anticipated heat load requirements. When the system transitions to a scanning mode, the control device increases pump speed before significant heat accumulation occurs, ensuring immediate cooling response while optimizing energy consumption by avoiding excessive pumping during low-load periods.
3Ease of operation
If the cooling system operates in fixed modes with constant pump speed, then the system is simple to control, but the power consumption remains high and cannot be optimized for varying operational demands
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system transitions from fixed operational modes to dynamic, continuous adjustment of pump speed based on real-time monitoring of the magnetic resonance system's operational state. The control device modulates the pump speed continuously according to the actual cooling requirements, allowing the system to adapt seamlessly to varying demands while maintaining simple operation through automated control, thereby significantly optimizing power consumption.
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 approach reduces power consumption and enhances energy efficiency by ensuring only active components are cooled, thereby lowering overall energy requirements and operational costs while maintaining reliable cooling for the magnetic unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooling circuit for heat transfer of heat from a magnet unit of the magnetic resonance system
Implementation Method 2
at least one pump device for transporting a cooling medium in the first cooling circuit and/or in the second cooling circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling system (12) for a magnetic resonance system (1), comprising: - a first cooling circuit (13) for heat transfer from a magnet unit (15) of the magnetic resonance system (1), - at least one second cooling circuit (14) distinct from the first cooling circuit (13) for heat transfer from at least one component (17, 18) of the magnetic resonance system (1) distinct from the magnet unit (15), - at least one pump assembly (26) for transporting a cooling medium in the first cooling circuit (13) and/or in the second cooling circuit (14), and - at least one control device (27) for controlling the first and/or second cooling circuit (13, 14) and the pump assembly (26). The invention further relates to a magnetic resonance system (1) and a method.