Superconducting Magnet Current Lead Layout to Suppress Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensation on the current introduction line of a superconducting magnet device due to thermal conduction from the ambient environment is a challenge, particularly at the vacuum feedthrough, which is exposed to room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Innovation Solution
A current introduction line design that includes a vacuum feedthrough, a busbar, and a rigid conductor thermally coupled to the vacuum vessel, maintaining electrical insulation and reducing thermal conduction effects, thereby suppressing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coil electrode is cooled by thermal conduction from the superconducting coil, then the superconducting coil can be powered from outside the vacuum vessel, but moisture in the air may adhere to or freeze on the coil electrode
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid conductor is introduced as an intermediary component between the vacuum feedthrough and the busbar. This rigid conductor is thermally coupled to the vacuum vessel wall, which acts as a thermal mediator to maintain the rigid conductor at a temperature that prevents condensation while allowing electrical current to pass through to power the superconducting coil
Solution Approach 2:
The current introduction path is segmented into distinct components: vacuum feedthrough, rigid conductor, and busbar. The rigid conductor is specifically positioned and thermally coupled to the vacuum vessel wall to create a thermal barrier that prevents condensation on the coil electrode while maintaining electrical connectivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heated air is blown onto the coil electrode to prevent condensation, then condensation can be suppressed, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum vessel wall itself is utilized as a thermal management component. By thermally coupling the rigid conductor to the vacuum vessel wall, the system uses the existing thermal mass and temperature of the vacuum vessel to prevent condensation on the coil electrode, eliminating the need for external heating systems or active thermal control mechanisms
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 design effectively prevents condensation on the vacuum feedthrough by minimizing temperature differences and thermal stress, using a simple configuration that maintains the integrity of the vacuum vessel and feedthrough.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid conductor that is fixed to the vacuum vessel so as to be thermally coupled to the vacuum vessel
Implementation Method 2
to be electrically insulated from the vacuum vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A current introduction line for introducing a current into a superconducting coil in a vacuum vessel, includes: a vacuum feedthrough; a busbar that is disposed in the vacuum vessel and is electrically connected to the superconducting coil; and a rigid conductor that is fixed to the vacuum vessel so as to be thermally coupled to the vacuum vessel and to be electrically insulated from the vacuum vessel, and electrically connects the vacuum feedthrough to the busbar.