Superconducting Generator Rotor Cooling for Low Torque and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric generators face challenges in reducing torque and friction, particularly in the rotor, which affects efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
The electric generator employs a unique design with a rotating inductor assembly featuring superconducting coils and a first cryogenic circuit for cooling, housed within a stationary housing enclosure with a vacuum atmosphere, and a second cryogenic circuit for the induced assembly, both utilizing high-temperature superconducting materials and advanced vacuum insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional conductors are used in the rotor, then the generator can operate at higher temperatures, but the current density and power output are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of conductor material from conventional copper to high-temperature superconducting material. This allows the generator to operate at elevated temperatures (above 77K) while maintaining zero electrical resistance, enabling high current density and power output without the thermal limitations of conventional conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining superconducting materials with stabilizing matrices and protective layers. The superconducting wires are embedded in stabilizing materials that provide mechanical support and thermal management, creating a composite conductor that maintains superconducting properties while withstanding operational stresses and temperatures.
2Force
If iron cores are used to achieve high magnetic field intensity, then the magnetic flux density is limited by saturation, but the structure becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the iron core from the generator design. By using superconducting coils that can generate extremely high magnetic fields without saturation, the design removes the heavy ferromagnetic materials that limit magnetic flux density to about 2T, achieving both weight reduction and higher magnetic field intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field generation mechanism from iron-core-based electromagnetic induction to superconducting magnet generation. Superconductors can produce magnetic fields exceeding 10T without saturation, fundamentally changing the achievable magnetic field intensity parameter while eliminating the weight penalty of iron cores.
3Productivity
If superconducting materials are used in the rotor, then current density and efficiency increase, but cooling requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cryogenic cooling systems using liquid nitrogen or helium to maintain superconducting temperatures. The cooling system utilizes fluid dynamics principles to circulate cryogenic fluids through channels in the rotor, efficiently removing heat and maintaining the superconducting state while managing the thermal load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a cryogenic environment that acts as an inert thermal atmosphere, isolating the superconducting materials from ambient heat. This cryogenic atmosphere maintains the superconducting state by keeping temperatures below the critical temperature of the superconducting material, effectively decoupling the thermal management from the electrical generation processes.
4Power
If the inductor assembly rotates with the rotation shaft, then the magnetic field generation is efficient, but friction and torque losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based rotation support with magnetic bearing technology. Magnetic bearings use magnetic fields to levitate and support the rotating inductor assembly, eliminating mechanical contact and friction entirely. This substitution maintains efficient magnetic field generation while removing torque losses associated with mechanical friction.
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 configuration significantly reduces torque and friction, enhances power generation, lowers the generator's weight, and increases magnetic field intensity, leading to improved efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one inductor coil comprises a plurality of layers of high-temperature superconducting material arranged in the rounded base
Implementation Method 2
an inductor assembly, adapted to rotate together with a rotation shaft, comprising: at least one superconducting inductor coil, arranged covering the rounded base
Implementation Method 3
a first cryogenic circuit thermally connected with the at least one superconducting inductor coil and said first cryogenic circuit being adapted to cool the at least one superconducting inductor coil
Implementation Method 4
the stationary housing enclosure comprises a first vacuum atmosphere generated by means of a vacuum circuit
Implementation Method 5
an induced assembly which comprises: at least one induced coil; wherein the induced assembly is connected to a current output
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an electric generator with an inductor assembly comprising: a rounded base arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft and rotating about said shaft; a superconducting inductor coil covering the base, a stationary housing enclosure comprising a superconducting inductor coil and the base; a first cryogenic circuit housed in the base and thermally connected with the at least one superconducting inductor coil for cooling it, and a compressor connected to the first cryogenic circuit. The generator also comprises an induced assembly with two induced coils, covering means, a yoke, and thermal insulating means. Advantageously, the electric generator comprises a first vacuum atmosphere and the inductor coil comprises a plurality of layers of high-temperature superconducting material arranged in the base. The invention also relates to a drive system comprising said electric generator.