Superconducting Conductor Assembly With Cryogenic Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical conductors in power transmission systems face limitations in carrying higher currents, are susceptible to environmental conditions, and experience significant energy losses, leading to reduced ampacity and increased visual impact and right-of-way requirements.
Innovation Solution
Conductor assemblies incorporating superconducting materials with a thermal insulation jacket and coolant system to maintain low operating temperatures, reducing heat generation and environmental dependence, while using a tensile support system to manage tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrical conductors are used in power transmission systems, then the system structure is simple and ease of manufacture is high, but the current carrying capacity is limited and energy losses are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional conductors to superconducting materials, fundamentally changing the electrical resistance parameter from finite to near-zero, thereby enabling dramatically higher current carrying capacity and eliminating resistive energy losses in the conductor itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining superconducting materials with stabilizing matrices and protective layers, creating a composite conductor structure that maintains superconducting properties while providing mechanical strength and environmental protection
2Reliability
If conventional conductors are used, then the system complexity is low, but the conductors are susceptible to environmental conditions and performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conductor system into distinct functional layers including the superconducting core, stabilizing matrix, electrical insulation layer, and thermal insulation jacket, with each layer performing a specific function to ensure overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as the thermal insulation jacket and electrical insulation layer that mediate between the superconducting core and the external environment, protecting the sensitive superconducting material from thermal and electrical disturbances
3Loss of energy
If higher current transmission is achieved with superconducting materials, then energy losses are reduced, but additional cooling systems and insulation layers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated layers: the thermal insulation jacket simultaneously provides thermal insulation, structural support, and protection for the coolant system, while the electrical insulation layer provides both electrical isolation and mechanical protection, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
4Productivity
If conventional conductors are used, then right-of-way requirements are high and visual impact is significant, but current transmission capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the near-zero resistance property of superconducting materials, enabling dramatically higher current density in a given cross-sectional area, which allows power transmission through narrower corridors with reduced visual impact
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 conductor assemblies enable higher current transmission with reduced energy losses, consistent performance, and narrower right-of-way requirements, minimizing environmental impact and optimizing power capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a superconductor material disposed (e.g., wrapped) around the former
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating jacket (also referred to herein as a thermal insulation jacket) ('TIJ') disposed around and spaced apart from the superconductor material
Implementation Method 3
An outer surface of the superconductor material and an inner surface of the TIJ can define an annulus through which a coolant can flow
Implementation Method 4
An outer surface of the superconductor material and an inner surface of the TIJ can define an annulus through which a coolant can flow
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor assembly for transmitting power includes a former that defines a shape, a superconductor material disposed around the former, and a thermally insulating jacket (TIJ) disposed around and spaced apart from the superconductor material. An outer surface of the superconductor material and an inner surface of the TIJ can define an annulus through which a coolant can flow. The conductor assembly can also include an external layer, disposed around an outside surface of the TIJ, to provide structural support to the conductor assembly. The conductor assembly can also include an electrical insulation layer disposed around the outside surface of the TIJ or around the superconductor material.