Superconducting Cable Fixation Structure with Integrated Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixation structures for superconducting cables are complex, costly, and lack a refrigerant pathway, leading to high initial and maintenance costs due to inefficient cooling systems with low Coefficient of Performance (COP) and increased electric power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fixation structure for superconducting cables featuring a thermal insulation tube with a fixation box and refrigerant flowing holes, allowing for the circulation of refrigerant and reducing heat invasion, combined with a simplified electrical insulation design that minimizes electric field concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fixation structure with multiple components (cylindrical electric pole, elastic body, pin, electrical insulation unit, case) is used, then the cable can be fixed, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation components (electric pole, elastic body, pin, electrical insulation unit, and case) into a single integrated fixation structure. The case serves as both the housing and the fixation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining reliable cable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The case performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical insulation, and fixation for the cable. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If elastic body and pin are directly connected to the conductor, then fixation is achieved, but electric field concentrates on corners or projections causing insulation design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the integrated case with rounded design) between the fixation elements and the conductor. This intermediary eliminates sharp corners and projections that would cause electric field concentration, simplifying the electrical insulation design while maintaining fixation stability.
3Reliability
If a conventional power cable fixation structure is used, then cable fixation is provided, but no refrigerant circulation pathway exists around the cable core
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation structure is designed to serve dual purposes: mechanical fixation of the cable and provision of refrigerant circulation pathways. The case incorporates channels or spaces that allow refrigerant to flow around the cable core, making the structure adaptable to superconducting cable applications requiring active cooling.
4Temperature
If multiple refrigerators are used to cool superconducting cables, then cooling is achieved, but mechanical losses increase and installation space expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates cooling functions into a single integrated refrigeration system that serves the entire cable assembly. By combining multiple cooling units into one, mechanical losses are reduced and installation space is minimized while maintaining effective cooling of the superconducting cable.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective and efficient cooling system by reducing the number of refrigerators, decreasing mechanical losses, and minimizing installation space while ensuring reliable refrigerant circulation and insulation, thus lowering overall costs and improving the efficiency of the superconducting cable system.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulation tube housing the cable core and having a thermal insulation structure configured of an internal tube and an external tube
Implementation Method 2
A refrigerant flows through an inside of the inner wall of the fixation box
Implementation Method 3
The superconducting cable is cooled to around 64 to 77 K through a refrigerant typified by liquid nitrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation structure for fixing a superconducting cable including a cable core and a thermal insulation tube. The fixation structure includes a fixation box connected to the thermal insulation tube, including a hollow thermal insulation structure, and through which the cable core is passed, a fixation body for fixing the cable core on the inner wall of the fixation box, and a diameter-expanded reinforcement layer that is an electrical insulation layer that has a diameter decreasing toward both ends and is formed on the cable core. A refrigerant flows through the inside of the inner wall of the fixation box. The cable core is fixed on the inner wall with the fixation body through the diameter-expanded reinforcement layer. The structure implements a simple and low-cost fixation structure appropriate for an electric field design.