Submersible Pumping System Superconducting Drive Cryogenic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating pumps in cryogenic environments within closed storage vessels poses challenges due to the significant decrease in electrical conductivity of materials, requiring efficient temperature control to maintain the superconducting state of electromagnetic drive mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A submersible pumping system with a temperature control jacket and a cooler to maintain the electromagnetic drive mechanism at or below the critical temperature, utilizing a heat exchange cavity to pump heat away and keep the electromagnetic element in a superconducting state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electromagnetic element is cooled to cryogenic temperatures to achieve superconducting state, then electrical conductivity is improved, but temperature control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control jacket is nested within the pump housing, creating a compact thermal management system. The jacket forms an annular space between the electromagnetic element and the housing, allowing cooling fluid to circulate directly around the electromagnetic component without requiring external cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the electromagnetic element and the external environment. The fluid circulates through the temperature control jacket, absorbing heat from the electromagnetic element and transporting it away, thereby maintaining the superconducting state without direct thermal contact with the external environment.
2Reliability
If a temperature control jacket and cooler are added to maintain superconducting state, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control jacket is merged with the pump housing structure, eliminating the need for separate cooling system housings. The cooling channels are integrated into the existing mechanical structure, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid serves multiple functions: it cools the electromagnetic element to maintain superconductivity, lubricates moving parts, and provides thermal coupling between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized systems.
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 efficient operation of pumps in cryogenic environments by maintaining the electromagnetic element in a superconducting state, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of cryogenic fluid handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic element having an electrical conducting state above a critical temperature and an electrical superconducting state at or below the critical temperature
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control jacket forming a heat exchange cavity about the electromagnetic element, and a cooler coupled with the temperature control jacket and structured to pump heat from the heat exchange cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible pumping system in a machine system includes a pumping element, and a drive mechanism for actuating the pumping element. The drive mechanism has an electromagnetic element with a superconducting state at or below a critical temperature. A temperature control jacket and cooling mechanism are provided to pump heat from a heat exchange cavity to cool the drive mechanism to or below a critical temperature less than an ambient temperature in a cryogenic environment.