Superconducting Magnet Coil Support with Integrated Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting MRI magnets experience heat-related issues due to frictional heat generation during energization, leading to quench events and helium boil-off, which are costly and time-consuming to resolve.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage cooling arrangement using thermo-siphon cooling and heat exchange with a coil support structure, where boiled-off helium is recondensed to liquid helium, and a thermal shield is employed to manage fluid flow and reduce heat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conduction cooling methods are used to cool the coils during start-up and steady state operation, then the coils can be cooled, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid cooling system where coolant (typically helium) is circulated through channels in the coil support structure and coil former. This hydraulic cooling method replaces inefficient conduction cooling by directly contacting the cooling fluid with the coil components, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency and cooling performance during both start-up and steady-state operation.
2Strength
If frictional heat is generated during coil energization due to stick-slip motion, then the coil support structure provides mechanical support, but localized overheating occurs leading to quench events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that flows through channels in the coil support structure and coil former. This cooling fluid acts as a thermal mediator, absorbing frictional heat generated during coil energization and stick-slip motion, and transporting it away from localized hot spots, thereby preventing overheating and quench events while maintaining mechanical support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the coil support system by incorporating active cooling channels that circulate coolant. This transforms the coil support structure from a purely mechanical component to a thermally managed system, where parameters such as coolant flow rate, temperature, and pressure can be adjusted to control heat removal and prevent localized overheating during dynamic coil operation.
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 solution reduces the likelihood of helium loss and associated costs by efficiently cooling superconducting magnets, minimizing quench events and maintaining the superconducting state.
Implementation Method 1
The normal zone will spread through the coil due to the Joule heat and the thermal conduction
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cooling tubes coupled to the superconducting coil and connected to the at least one support beam, wherein the plurality of cooling tubes are configured to transfer the cooling fluid therethrough
Implementation Method 3
a coldhead that operates to recondense vaporized cryogen to continually cool the superconducting magnet coils during system operation
Implementation Method 4
a coldhead that operates to recondense vaporized cryogen
Implementation Method 5
a thermal shield is employed to manage fluid flow and reduce heat buildup
Implementation Method 6
A multi-stage cooling arrangement using thermo-siphon cooling and heat exchange with a coil support structure, where boiled-off helium is recondensed to liquid helium
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet coil support with cooling and a method for coil cooling are provided. One superconducting coil support arrangement includes a superconducting coil and at least one support beam supporting the superconducting coil and defining a tank for storing a cooling fluid therein. The superconducting coil support arrangement further includes a plurality of cooling tubes coupled to the superconducting coil and connected to the at least one support beam, wherein the plurality of cooling tubes are configured to transfer the cooling fluid therethrough.