Superconducting Cable Cryostat Cooling Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cooling superconducting cables are inefficient due to excessive heating of the coolant as it travels through the cryostat, which hampers the rapid attainment of the operating temperature.
Innovation Solution
The coolant is routed through both the free space and the tubular structure of the cryostat in the same direction until the superconducting cable reaches its operating temperature, and then returned through the tubular structure to minimize heating and maximize cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the coolant is routed through the free space of the cryostat and then returned through a separate pipe, then the superconducting cable can be cooled to operating temperature, but the coolant becomes excessively heated during the return process, reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional coolant routing by having the coolant flow through the tubular core of the superconducting cable in the same direction as through the free space, rather than returning through a separate pipe. This reversal of the return path eliminates the excessive heating problem and improves cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coolant flow paths by routing the coolant through both the free space and the tubular core of the cable together in the same direction, combining two cooling zones into a single effective cooling path that maximizes heat removal efficiency.
2Productivity
If the coolant is returned through the tubular structure after the cable reaches operating temperature, then cooling efficiency is maximized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular core of the superconducting cable serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural core of the cable and as a coolant conduit. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to be used for both cable integrity and efficient coolant flow, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high cooling performance.
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 ensures that the coolant remains effective and the superconducting cable is cooled quickly and efficiently to its operating temperature, enhancing the overall cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant is routed through both the free space and the tubular structure of the cryostat in the same direction until the superconducting cable reaches its operating temperature
Implementation Method 2
the coolant is routed through the free space enclosed by the cryostat... the coolant is also conducted through the tubular structure
Implementation Method 3
a cryostat, which consists of two metal tubes arranged concentrically to one another, between which vacuum insulation is arranged
Implementation Method 4
an electrical conductor made of a composite material which contains ceramic material which changes to the superconductive state at sufficiently low temperatures. The electrical direct current resistance of a correspondingly constructed conductor is zero with sufficient cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The method involves arranging the cable and at least one tubular structure in the free space of a cryostat (3). Cooling agent is conducted from a feeding point located at one end up to a distal end of the cryostat until the cable is cooled to its temperature of operation exclusively in one direction through the cryostat and the tubular structure and is discharged to the outside at the distal end. The cooling agent is returned after reaching the temperature of operation from the distal end of the cryostat through the tubular structure to the feeding point.