Cooling apparatus for superconducting fault current limiter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling apparatuses for superconducting fault current limiters face issues with increased power consumption, spatial inefficiency, and cost due to the need for external liquid coolant supplementation and complex temperature maintenance systems.

Innovation Solution

A cooling apparatus comprising a first container for super-cooled liquid coolant, a second container for saturated liquid coolant, and a freezer to condense vaporized coolant, maintaining pressure and temperature uniformity through circulation and heat exchange, reducing the need for external coolant and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the length of the copper band is increased to cool the superconducting element, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the temperature difference in the copper band increases and power consumption of the freezer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is divided into multiple segments: a copper band for conduction cooling and a liquid nitrogen bath for direct cooling. This segmentation allows different cooling mechanisms to work together, improving overall cooling coverage without requiring excessive length of the copper band, thus reducing temperature differences and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Liquid nitrogen serves as an intermediary cooling medium between the freezer and the superconducting element. The liquid nitrogen absorbs heat directly from the superconducting element through immersion, reducing the burden on the copper band and freezer, thereby decreasing power consumption while maintaining effective cooling coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If a cryogenic storage tank is separately provided to store liquid nitrogen, then the liquid level of the shield bath can be compensated, but spatial loss and cost increase occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid nitrogen supplyVSAvoidspatial loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling bath and storage function are merged into a single integrated shield bath structure. The shield bath simultaneously serves as the cooling medium reservoir and the storage container, eliminating the need for a separate cryogenic storage tank. This reduces spatial occupation while ensuring adequate liquid nitrogen supply for cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield bath is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the cooling medium that directly contacts the superconducting element, acts as the liquid nitrogen reservoir, and provides thermal shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage tanks, reducing both space and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If the freezer operates at lower temperatures to maintain superconducting state, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the phase change parameter of liquid nitrogen (boiling point at atmospheric pressure) as a natural temperature reference and cooling threshold. By immersing the superconducting element in liquid nitrogen, the system maintains the optimal superconducting temperature without requiring the freezer to actively regulate at precisely low temperatures, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system exploits the phase transition of liquid nitrogen (liquid to gas) as a passive cooling mechanism. As liquid nitrogen evaporates, it absorbs latent heat of vaporization, providing efficient cooling without requiring additional energy input from the freezer. This phase transition-based cooling reduces the power consumption burden on the freezer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Achieves efficient temperature uniformity and pressure maintenance within the first container, reducing energy consumption and costs while simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for direct temperature sensors and minimizing coolant usage.

Implementation Method 1

a freezer (40) for condensing the vaporized liquid nitrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change (condensation): Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

heat exchange, reducing the need for external coolant and simplifying maintenance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS12446188B2Cooling apparatus for superconducting fault current limiter

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cooling apparatus for a superconducting fault current limiter, and may comprise a first container for accommodating a super-cooled liquid coolant into which a superconducting element is immersed, a second container disposed in contact with an outer surface of the first container to expose a lower side of a lateral surface of the first container, and for accommodating a saturated liquid coolant, and a freezer inserted into the second container to condense the vaporized saturated liquid coolant.