Superconducting Magnet Coils Bonded to Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting electromagnets face damage due to thermally-induced stresses between coils and support structures caused by abrupt temperature changes, leading to potential quenching and mechanical failure, as the materials expand or contract at different rates and with different coefficients, resulting in shear strain and cracking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrically resistive heating elements in thermal contact with the support structures to minimize the difference in interface strain between coils and support structures during temperature changes, either by heating the support blocks or the entire support structure, thereby reducing mechanical stress and the risk of quenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coils are bonded to a support structure, then mechanical support and structural stability are improved, but thermally-induced stresses and interface strain differences worsen during abrupt temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heating elements to actively control the temperature parameter of the support structure, changing its thermal state to match the coils during quench events. This dynamic parameter adjustment reduces the temperature differential and resulting thermal stress between the coils and support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements provide preliminary anti-action by preemptively heating the support structure when temperature changes are detected or anticipated. This counteracts the natural cooling trend that would create harmful strain differences, thereby preventing thermal stress damage before it occurs.
2Reliability
If heating elements are added to the support structure, then thermally-induced stresses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements act as intermediary components between the power source and the support structure. They transfer thermal energy to the support structure in a controlled manner, mediating the thermal interaction to reduce strain differences without requiring direct modification of the coils or fundamental redesign of the magnet system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is heated to synchronize thermal expansion, then interface strain difference is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, activating only when temperature changes occur or are anticipated. This periodic operation synchronizes thermal expansion during critical transitions while minimizing overall energy consumption during stable operating conditions.
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 heating elements help to synchronize the thermal expansion of coils and support structures, reducing the risk of damage and quenching by ensuring similar strain rates, thus maintaining the structural integrity and preventing cracking during temperature transitions.
Implementation Method 1
electrically resistive heating elements are provided in thermal contact with the support structures to minimize the difference in interface strain between coils and support structures during temperature changes
Implementation Method 2
the materials expand or contract at different rates and with different coefficients, resulting in shear strain and cracking
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting electromagnet comprising coils of superconducting wire bonded to a support structure, and wherein heating elements are provided in thermal contact with the support structure for heating the support structure.