Superconducting Magnet Quench Protection via Conductive Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting magnet systems are inherently unstable due to rapid temperature rises during disturbances, leading to quenching and potential damage, and existing heater-based protection circuits are not very stable.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet system with electrically and thermally conductive windings electromagnetically coupled to the coils, where each conductive winding is electrically shorted and physically in contact with the superconducting coils, allowing for stable quench protection through electromagnetic coupling and thermal conduction, potentially eliminating the need for heaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heater-based protection circuits are used to quench the magnet during instability, then the stored energy can be dissipated throughout the entire magnet, but the protection circuits are not very stable and may not reliably prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heater-based protection circuitry entirely and replaces it with a passive protective coating applied directly to the superconducting wires. This extraction of the complex active control system eliminates the instability issues while maintaining protection functionality through the physical barrier and thermal properties of the coating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coating acts as a sacrificial layer that can absorb thermal energy and protect the expensive superconducting wires during quench events. The coating is designed to be replaced or regenerated, serving as a disposable protective element that shields the critical components from damage.
2Reliability
If heaters are used to quench the magnet during instability, then energy dissipation can be controlled, but the system requires additional components and control mechanisms that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating performs the protection function autonomously without requiring external control systems. During a quench event, the coating's thermal and physical properties automatically activate to protect the superconducting wires, eliminating the need for complex control circuits and sensors that would be required to monitor and activate heater-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/thermal control system (heaters and control circuits) with a passive physical barrier approach. The protective coating provides mechanical and thermal protection through its material properties rather than through active electrical control, simplifying the system architecture.
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
The conductive windings provide stable quench protection by sharing the load of joule heating and reducing peak temperatures within the superconducting coils, preventing damage and ensuring safe energy dissipation during instability events.
Implementation Method 1
Each conductive winding is electromagnetically coupled with a corresponding superconducting coil
Implementation Method 2
sharing the load of joule heating and reducing peak temperatures within the superconducting coils
Implementation Method 3
electrically and thermally conductive windings
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet system includes a coil support structure, superconducting coils, and electrically and thermally conductive windings. The superconducting coils and the conductive windings are supported by the coil support structure. Each conductive winding is electromagnetically coupled with a corresponding superconducting coil. Each conductive winding is electrically shorted.