Superconducting Coil Loop Layout for Fast Axial Quench Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
MRI superconducting magnets face challenges with quench damage due to high Joule heating during unanticipated quench events, particularly when the copper-to-superconductor ratio is low, leading to increased material costs and likelihood of damage from rapid heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a superconducting loop thermally and electrically connected with the magnet windings, which facilitates faster quench propagation along the axial direction through epoxy bonding or dedicated thermally conductive contacts, allowing for more uniform and rapid heat transfer and reducing the likelihood of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the copper-to-superconductor ratio is increased to reduce quench damage, then the likelihood of damage during quench is reduced, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces axial quench propagation through superconducting loops that extend in the axial direction, adding a new dimension to heat dissipation. This complements the existing azimuthal propagation direction, creating a two-dimensional heat dissipation pathway that reduces the need for excessive copper material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the quench propagation pathway by introducing discrete superconducting loops at different axial positions. These loops act as independent heat dissipation channels that can operate simultaneously, distributing the thermal load more effectively throughout the magnet structure.
2Quantity of substance
If the copper-to-superconductor ratio is decreased to reduce material cost, then the material cost is reduced, but the likelihood of quench damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates additional copies of the quench propagation pathway by installing multiple superconducting loops around the magnet bore. These loops replicate the heat dissipation function, providing redundant pathways that ensure reliable quench propagation even with reduced copper content in the main windings.
3Speed
If quench propagation speed is increased to reduce damage, then the heat dissipation is more rapid, but the temperature rise rate increases which can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning superconducting loops at specific axial locations where they can most effectively influence quench propagation. The loops are strategically placed to create localized heat dissipation zones that guide the quench wave through the magnet structure in a controlled manner.
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 enables a more spatially distributed quench with reduced likelihood of damage, maintaining a lower copper-to-superconductor ratio without increasing quench risk, and lowers manufacturing costs by promoting rapid quench propagation similar to azimuthal direction speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The superconducting loop is thermally connected with the superconducting magnet windings at crossings of the superconducting magnet windings along the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The superconducting loop may be thermally connected with the superconducting magnet windings at the crossings of the superconducting magnet windings along the axial direction by epoxy covering the superconducting magnet windings and the superconducting loop
Implementation Method 3
below the superconducting temperature threshold the embedded superconductor filaments carry the electrical current
Implementation Method 4
The copper provides electrical conduction when the wire is above the superconducting temperature threshold
Implementation Method 5
Upon quench, the copper conductor takes over as the electrical conductor-however, this leads to resistive Joule heating which produces heat dissipation power proportional to I2R
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet comprises superconducting magnet windings wound as a solenoid to generate a magnetic field oriented in an axial direction when carrying a superconducting electric current, and a superconducting loop having a long axis crossing the superconducting magnet windings along the axial direction. The superconducting loop is thermally connected with the superconducting magnet windings at crossings of the superconducting magnet windings along the axial direction. The superconducting loop is electrically connected with the superconducting magnet windings to carry the superconducting electric current carried by the superconducting magnet windings. A quench initiated in the superconducting magnet windings is propagated simultaneously along the superconducting magnet windings via the superconducting magnet windings and also along the solenoid axis via the superconducting loop.