Superconducting Magnet Coil Quench Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting magnet designs face high quench pressures during a quench event, leading to increased costs and weight due to the need for thicker pressure vessel walls and larger vent paths, which also require higher cooling power.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a resistive element, such as a secondary coil of insulated resistive wire attached to the superconducting coil, controls the surface temperature to induce film boiling, reducing heat transfer to the cryogen and thus quench pressure, allowing for thinner vessel materials and smaller vent paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional superconducting magnet designs use a large supporting former as heat sink, then coil temperature rise is limited, but quench pressure increases requiring thicker vessel walls and larger vent paths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameters by introducing a thermal barrier layer between the coil and former, fundamentally altering the heat transfer characteristics during quench events. This allows the system to tolerate higher coil temperatures without proportionally increasing quench pressure, as the thermal barrier controls the heat transfer rate to the cryogen
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the superconducting coil and the supporting former. This intermediate layer modulates heat transfer during quench, preventing direct thermal coupling and allowing independent optimization of coil temperature control and pressure management
2Strength
If pressure vessel wall thickness is increased to cope with high quench pressure, then vessel strength increases, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier layer performs preliminary action by controlling heat transfer before excessive pressure buildup occurs. By regulating the rate at which heat reaches the cryogen during quench, the system prevents pressure spikes that would require heavy vessel walls, allowing lighter construction
3Stress or pressure
If vent path cross-sectional area is increased to relieve quench pressure, then pressure relief improves, but thermal heat load into helium vessel increases requiring higher cooling power
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier layer changes the temporal profile of heat transfer, spreading it over a longer duration at lower intensity. This allows for smaller vent paths since the pressure buildup is more gradual, reducing the thermal load on the cryogenic system and cooling power requirements
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 reduces quench pressures, minimizing the required strength and size of the cryogen vessel, while maintaining effective cooling, thereby reducing material costs and thermal stress on the magnet coils.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet coil structure comprises a resistive element that will control the surface temperature of the magnet coil structure
Implementation Method 2
energy stored in the superconducting coils is dissipated as heat causing boiling of the cryogen
Implementation Method 3
The heat from the magnet coils is then transferred via thermal conduction into the former and the liquid helium
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet coil arrangement has multiple superconducting coils and at least one of the superconducting coils is provided with a secondary coil of insulated resistive wire mechanically attached to a surface of the superconducting coil.