Superconducting DC Power Converter Layout for Long-Distance Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power supply systems for direct current user devices, such as electric furnaces, face inefficiencies due to high losses from the Joule effect and are constrained by the need for close proximity of components, making it difficult to expand or modify existing installations.
Innovation Solution
The use of superconductor cables and a power converter with a splitter device and recirculation diode allows for efficient transmission of direct current with minimal losses, enabling the separation of components over longer distances and flexible installation configurations, including the integration of alternative energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional copper or aluminum cables are used to transport large currents, then the power supply can reach the user device, but the cables require large sections (up to 200-400 mm diameter) resulting in increased costs, weights and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional copper or aluminum cables to superconducting cables, fundamentally changing the electrical resistance parameter from finite to near-zero. This enables the transport of large currents (thousands of amperes) with minimal energy losses, eliminating the need for large cable sections while maintaining high current capacity. The superconducting cables operate at cryogenic temperatures to achieve this parameter change, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and material quantity.
2Loss of energy
If high voltage is used to reduce current and energy losses, then energy transmission efficiency improves, but cable insulation problems and system safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage operation to medium voltage operation while compensating by using superconducting cables with near-zero resistance. This parameter change allows the system to maintain low energy losses without the insulation and safety problems associated with high voltage. The superconducting cables enable efficient current transport at lower voltages, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the substation is located a few hundred meters away from the user device, then the electricity grid connection is established, but the distance constraint prevents flexible installation and expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resistance parameter to near-zero using superconducting cables, which eliminates the energy loss penalty that normally constrains transmission distance. This enables the substation to be located hundreds of meters or even kilometers away from the user device without significant energy losses, thereby providing installation flexibility and ease of operation while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intermediate segments are provided along the power supply line, then the electrical energy can be distributed to multiple devices, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into modular components (substation, superconducting cable segments, power converters) that can be independently configured and connected. This modular segmentation allows flexible adaptation to different installation scenarios while maintaining relative simplicity through standardized interfaces and components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
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 significantly reduces energy losses and allows for flexible, efficient, and economical connection of user devices to electrical energy sources, enabling independent operation from the public grid and facilitating expansions in steel plants without the constraints of traditional power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of either the input connection circuit and/or the output connection circuit comprises at least one segment of line made with a superconductor cable
Implementation Method 2
a power converter configured to transform a direct electric voltage into a direct electric voltage of a different value
Implementation Method 3
a recirculation diode connected in series to said electronic switch and in anti-parallel to said user device
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power supply apparatus for a direct current user device includes an electric power supply supplying a mains voltage and a mains current and a static power converter to transform a direct electric voltage into a direct electric voltage of a different value. The static power converter is connected to the electric power supply by a respective input connection circuit and to the user device by a respective output connection circuit.