Superconducting Joint Cooling Surface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting joints in large electromagnets, such as those used in MRI systems, face challenges in achieving zero resistance while maintaining adequate thermal conduction, especially in low cryogen inventory systems that do not rely on immersion in liquid cryogens.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a superconducting joint in combination with a thermally and electrically conductive cooling surface, where an electrically isolating surface coating ensures electrical isolation from the cooling surface, allowing for effective thermal contact and efficient cooling without cryogen immersion, using a cryogen pipe or thermal bus bar with an electrically isolating coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrically isolating adhesive layers are used to achieve sufficient electrical isolation, then electrical isolation is improved, but thermal conduction deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized intermediate layer (electrically isolating adhesive layer with controlled properties) between the cooled component and superconducting joint that mediates between electrical isolation requirements and thermal conduction needs. This single intermediate layer is designed to provide sufficient electrical isolation while maintaining adequate thermal conduction, replacing multiple layers with one optimized layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the electrically isolating adhesive layer, specifically controlling its thickness and material properties to achieve the right balance between electrical isolation and thermal conduction. By optimizing these parameters, the layer provides sufficient electrical isolation while minimizing thermal resistance.
2Temperature
If superconducting joints are cooled by immersion in liquid cryogen, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but cryogen inventory and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from liquid cryogen immersion and implements it through solid conduction using a cooled component (such as a cold finger or thermal bus bar) that is thermally connected to a refrigerator. This removes the need for large quantities of liquid cryogen while maintaining effective cooling of the superconducting joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid cryogen immersion system with a solid conduction cooling system. Instead of using liquid cryogen to cool the joints, a cooled component with controlled thermal contact is used, substituting a mechanical/thermal system for a fluid-based system.
3Reliability
If electrically isolating adhesive layers are used to attach superconducting joints to cooled components, then electrical isolation is achieved, but thermal conduction and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin electrically isolating adhesive layer that can be easily applied and removed if needed, simplifying the manufacturing process. This single layer is sufficient for electrical isolation and can be applied using standard adhesive techniques without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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 enables effective cooling of superconducting joints with reduced cryogen inventory, allowing for a large number of joints to be efficiently cooled in low cryogen systems, maintaining low resistance and minimizing space occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
An electrically isolating surface coating is provided on the cooling surface. The superconducting joint is electrically isolated from the cooling surface by the surface coating
Implementation Method 2
The superconducting joint, the surface coating and the cooling surface are in thermal contact
Implementation Method 3
Joints between superconducting wires are difficult to make. Optimally, the joint itself will be superconducting—that is, having a zero resistance when the magnet is in operation
Implementation Method 4
The superconducting joint, the surface coating and the cooling surface are in thermal contact
Implementation Method 5
The cooling surface comprises a thermally and electrically conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting joint and a cooling surface are provided as a combination. The superconducting joint joins superconducting wires each comprising superconducting filaments electrically joined together. The cooling surface comprises a thermally and electrically conductive material. An electrically isolating surface coating is provided on the cooling surface. The superconducting joint, the surface coating and the cooling surface are in thermal contact. The superconducting joint is electrically isolated from the cooling surface by the surface coating. The tails of the superconducting wires are wrapped around the electrically isolating surface coating.