Suspended Superconducting Lines With Active Cooling for Stable Sag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems face challenges in carrying high currents efficiently while minimizing energy losses and environmental impact, particularly due to temperature-related issues that affect conductor sag and creep.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power transmission system using suspended superconducting transmission lines with a thermal insulation jacket and an active cooling mechanism to maintain superconducting materials at a specified operating temperature, thereby reducing energy losses and stabilizing conductor sag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional conductors are used to transmit electrical power, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but energy losses increase and current carrying capacity is limited due to temperature-related conductor sag and creep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing active cooling mechanisms to maintain superconducting materials below their critical temperature, thereby achieving zero electrical resistance and eliminating energy losses. This parameter change transforms the conductor from a conventional resistive state to a superconducting state, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining superconducting materials with cooling systems and thermal insulation layers. These composite materials and structures enable the transmission line to maintain superconducting properties while managing thermal effects, thus achieving low energy losses despite the increased system complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional conductors are used, then the transmission system has broader rights-of-way and higher visual impact, but conductor sag varies with temperature changes affecting transmission reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control through active cooling mechanisms that continuously adjust to maintain the superconducting material below its critical temperature. This dynamic control ensures consistent conductor properties and minimal sag variation, thereby improving transmission reliability despite the added temperature control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control systems that monitor temperature and adjust cooling mechanisms accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the superconducting material remains at optimal temperatures, maintaining consistent conductor sag and improving transmission reliability while managing the complexity of temperature control.
3Productivity
If superconducting materials are used with active cooling, then current carrying capacity increases and energy losses reduce, but the system requires complex cooling mechanisms and thermal insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic cooling systems that circulate cryogenic fluids through the superconducting conductor to maintain low temperatures. These fluid-based cooling mechanisms efficiently remove heat while being relatively compact, enabling high current carrying capacity with manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where thermal insulation layers are positioned within or around the cooling mechanisms, which in turn surround the superconducting conductor. This nested arrangement maximizes thermal efficiency while minimizing the overall system footprint and complexity, enabling high productivity despite the required cooling infrastructure.
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 the transmission of AC or DC power at higher currents with reduced energy losses, lower visual impact, and narrower rights-of-way, while maintaining consistent conductor sag and reducing environmental effects.
Implementation Method 1
Each conductor assembly includes a superconducting current carrying element and is configured to receive a coolant flow to maintain the superconductor material within a temperature range below an ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
Each conductor assembly can optionally include a thermally insulating jacket (also referred to herein as a thermal insulation jacket) to contain the coolant flow
Data Source
AI summary
Power transmission systems with cooling mechanisms, and methods of operating the same, are described. A power transmission system can include multiple support tower assemblies. Each of the support tower assemblies includes a support tower. One or more of the support tower assemblies includes a termination (i.e., a connection point via which electrical current and/or coolant can enter the transmission line and/or exit the transmission line). The power transmission system also includes multiple conductor assemblies suspended above a surface of the earth. Each conductor assembly includes an electrical conductor and is positioned between, and mechanically supported by, a pair of the support towers. The power transmission system also includes a coolant supply system that delivers a coolant fluid, during operation of the power transmission system, to at least one of the terminations, for cooling of the conductor assemblies.