Superconducting Cable Connection Device with Modular Sleeve Cryostat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting superconducting cables are expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for on-site assembly or repair, as they require extensive welding and cannot be easily dismantled or replaced without damaging the device.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a prefabricated sleeve cryostat with plug-like connection elements for the cable ends, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, with the ability to prepare cable ends at the manufacturing site and assemble at the installation site with minimal welding, ensuring the connection is both efficient and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods with paper tape insulation and welded cryostats are used, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into modular components: a connection element with connection portion and insulation portion, a separate cryostat, and cable ends with pre-mounted connection elements. This segmentation allows parallel preparation of components and rapid assembly by simply connecting the modular units, dramatically improving assembly speed while maintaining connection reliability through dedicated functional sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements are pre-mounted on cable ends at the manufacturing site before cable assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and electrical connection readiness, eliminating time-consuming on-site alignment and connection work. The pre-mounted connection elements with integrated insulation also ensure reliable electrical isolation is established before the cable is even installed, accelerating the overall assembly process while guaranteeing connection quality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional welded connection methods are used, then connection stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates as dismantling destroys the device
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device transitions from a static welded structure to a dynamic, reversible connection system. The connection element mechanically engages with the cable conductor through a connection portion that provides stable electrical contact, while the insulating portion maintains electrical isolation. This mechanical connection can be assembled and disassembled multiple times without damage, enabling easy repair and replacement while maintaining connection stability during operation through the robust mechanical and electrical design of the connection element.
3Reliability
If extensive welding is performed at the connection point, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is extracted and eliminated from the connection procedure. Instead of welding the cryostat to the cable assembly, the connection element is mechanically mounted on the cable conductor and the cryostat is separately assembled and connected. This extraction of the welding operation simplifies the device assembly process significantly, reducing both complexity and time requirements while the connection element's design ensures reliable electrical conductivity through its conductive connection portion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cable ends are prepared at the installation site, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to on-site preparation work
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements are pre-mounted on cable ends at the manufacturing site during cable production. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site modification and preparation work. The cables arrive at the installation site ready-to-connect with connection elements already in place, maintaining installation flexibility and adaptability while dramatically reducing preparation time. The pre-mounted connection elements ensure proper positioning and electrical connection readiness before installation begins.
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 rapid, cost-effective connection and potential for easy repair or replacement of superconducting cables without damaging the device, maintaining thermal insulation and shielding integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve cryostat (5) which surrounds the connection point (4)
Implementation Method 2
an electrical shield (14) which is arranged in the sleeve cryostat (5) at the connection point (4)
Implementation Method 3
the conductors of the two cables are electrically conductively connected to one another by means of connection elements (15, 16)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device (1) for connecting two superconducting cables (2, 3) at a connection point (4) is described. The cables (2, 3) are each arranged in a tubular cable cryostat (10, 11) that serves to guide a coolant and have an electrical conductor (6, 7) and an electrical shield conductor (8, 9). A connecting element is attached to each of the ends of the electrical conductors (6, 7) to be joined, and the two connecting elements are connected to each other at the connection point (4). The connection point (4) is surrounded by a one-piece electrical shield body (14), which connects the electrical shield conductors (8, 9) of the cables and into which the ends of the electrical conductors (6, 7) are inserted for connection.The electrical shield body (14) is surrounded by a prefabricated sleeve cryostat (5) which has thermal insulation and connects the cable cryostats (10, 11) of the cables (2, 3) together.