Superconducting Cable Eccentric Connection Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing superconducting cable devices face inefficiencies and potential damage due to suboptimal positioning of the cable connection portion within the intermediate connection box, leading to insulation breakdown and reduced current-carrying capability, as well as risk of damage from heat shrinkage and heat invasion.
Innovation Solution
The superconducting cable device optimizes the position of the cable connection portion by eccentrically placing it from the center line in the uncooled state, adjusting it to the low-temperature region within the intermediate connection box during cooling, utilizing a coolant flow system and expansion joints to maintain optimal positioning and prevent heat-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cable connection portion is positioned at the center of the intermediate connection box, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but heat invasion causes insulation breakdown and the cable connection portion is damaged due to heat shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection portion is positioned asymmetrically within the intermediate connection box, specifically located closer to one end rather than at the center. This asymmetric positioning allows the cable connection portion to be situated in a region with better thermal insulation characteristics, reducing heat invasion from the ends while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the cable connection portion is predetermined and optimized during the design phase to account for thermal effects. The positioning is calculated in advance to ensure that under normal operating conditions with heat invasion, the cable connection portion remains in a safe thermal zone with adequate insulation, preventing both insulation breakdown and damage from heat shrinkage
2Reliability
If the cable connection portion is moved to avoid heat shrinkage damage, then the reliability improves, but the position optimization becomes complex and requires precise temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connection box is designed with non-uniform thermal insulation properties. The region where the cable connection portion is positioned has enhanced insulation characteristics compared to other regions. This local quality optimization allows the cable connection portion to be protected from heat shrinkage damage and heat invasion without requiring complex overall redesign of the connection box
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation parameters of the intermediate connection box are optimized for the specific region where the cable connection portion is located. By adjusting the insulation thickness, material properties, or structural configuration in the local area surrounding the cable connection portion, the design achieves reliable protection against heat-related issues while maintaining overall design simplicity
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of the superconducting cable device by reducing temperature-related losses and preventing insulation breakdown and damage, ensuring stable operation and improved current-carrying capability by positioning the cable connection in the low-temperature region.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device which causes a coolant to flow inside the intermediate connection box in a lengthwise direction of the intermediate connection box
Implementation Method 2
a cable core made of a superconducting wire of which the electrical resistance is close to 0
Implementation Method 3
a double heat-insulating pipe which covers the cable core
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a superconducting cable device including: a first superconducting cable and a second superconducting cable; an intermediate connection box which connects the first and second superconducting cables to each other; and a cooling device which causes a coolant to flow inside the intermediate connection box in a lengthwise direction of the intermediate connection box, wherein a cable connection portion for connecting the first and second superconducting cables to each other is provided in the intermediate connection box. In an uncooled state, the cable connection portion is disposed to be eccentric from a center line in the lengthwise direction of the intermediate connection box in a direction in which the coolant flows.