Superconducting Magnet Idling Mode Energy Savings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting magnets, such as those used in MRI systems, consume excessive energy as they must maintain cryogenic temperatures even when idle, due to the need to prevent temperature increases that could cause helium vaporization and require significant effort to recharge.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an idling mode where the superconducting magnet is discharged, and the cryocooler operates at a lower capacity or is stopped, allowing the temperature of the cold-mass to rise between the critical temperature and ambient temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the superconducting magnet maintains cryogenic temperatures continuously, then the magnetic field stability is preserved, but the energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operating state based on usage patterns, transitioning between persistent mode (full cooling) and idling mode (reduced cooling). The cryocooler operates at full capacity when the magnet is in use, then reduces capacity or stops when idle, allowing temperature to rise within safe limits while maintaining the ability to quickly resume full cooling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from a fixed constant (maintaining critical temperature) to a variable parameter with acceptable ranges. During idling, the temperature is allowed to increase from the critical temperature toward ambient temperature, but remains constrained below a maximum threshold. This parameter flexibility enables energy savings while preserving system functionality.
2Temperature
If the cryocooler operates at full capacity continuously, then the cold-mass temperature remains at critical temperature, but the energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryocooler operates periodically rather than continuously, switching between full-capacity operation (when magnet is in use) and reduced/zero operation (when magnet is idle). This periodic action allows the system to maintain temperature control only when necessary, eliminating continuous energy waste while ensuring temperature stability during operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thermal properties of the cold-mass and the environment to maintain acceptable temperatures during idle periods without active cooling. The cold-mass naturally cools when needed and can tolerate temperature increases when idle, reducing the need for continuous energy input from the cryocooler.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the temperature is allowed to rise above critical temperature during idling, then energy consumption decreases, but the magnet requires recharging when needed again
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions before the magnet is needed again after idling. When a magnet transitions from idling back to operational status, the cryocooler is activated to quickly recharge and cool the cold-mass back to critical temperature, ensuring minimal delay in restoring full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically responds to magnet usage status, quickly transitioning from idling mode back to persistent mode when needed. The cryocooler capacity is increased and operates at full power to rapidly cool the cold-mass, minimizing the time loss associated with recharging while maintaining energy efficiency during extended idle periods.
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 approach significantly saves energy by reducing cryocooler power consumption and allows for quicker recooling when the magnet is needed again, optimizing energy usage and system uptime.
Implementation Method 1
superconducting magnets need to produce higher magnetic fields. Superconducting B0 magnets use coils which must be maintained at cryogenic temperatures that are lower than the critical temperature of the superconducting coils
Implementation Method 2
The cryocooler is thermally connected to the cold-mass of the magnet through a thermal conduction path
Implementation Method 3
The cryocooler is thermally connected to the cold-mass of the magnet through a thermal conduction path that extends along the magnet bore
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for saving energy while a superconducting magnet system is not being used and for reducing the time required for the re-establishment of the operating conditions of the system. Traditionally, during an inactive time interval, the temperature of the magnet coils is not allowed to rise, and the system is kept ON, in operating conditions. This results in wasting a large amount of energy for keeping the magnet coils at cryogenic temperatures. Turning the system OFF has never been an option since re-establishment of the operating conditions is very time consuming and costly. The present disclosure offers methods and systems that allow idling of a system in temperatures higher than the magnet coils' intended operating temperature, which results in noticeable savings.