Superconducting Magnet Quench Protection via Segmented Coil Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting magnet devices face challenges with thermal runaway (quenching) leading to increased resistance, Joule heat, voltage discharge, and electromagnetic forces, which can damage coils and surrounding structures, and existing solutions do not efficiently shorten recovery time.
Innovation Solution
The superconducting magnet device includes independent superconducting coil excitation circuits with dedicated power supplies and quenching detectors, allowing for controlled demagnetization of unaffected coils to prevent quenching propagation and reduce recovery time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quenching detection and controlled demagnetization systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The superconducting magnet system is divided into multiple independent excitation circuits, each with its own quenching detector and power supply. This segmentation allows localized detection and control, preventing quenching propagation while maintaining overall system reliability. Each circuit operates autonomously, enabling targeted demagnetization only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Quenching detectors continuously monitor each excitation circuit and provide real-time feedback to the control system. When quenching is detected in one circuit, the system immediately responds by controlling the power supply of unaffected circuits to demagnetize them, preventing quenching spread while maintaining normal operation of other circuits.
2Loss of time
If independent excitation circuits with quenching detectors are used, then recovery time is shortened, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magnet system into independent excitation circuits with individual power supplies and detectors, the system enables selective demagnetization of only affected circuits after quenching. This reduces recovery time significantly compared to demagnetizing the entire system, as unaffected circuits can remain operational.
Solution Approach 2:
Quenching detectors are pre-installed in each excitation circuit to detect quenching events immediately as they occur. This preliminary detection capability enables instant response and controlled demagnetization of only necessary circuits, minimizing downtime and accelerating recovery.
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 configuration prevents immediate quenching spread, reduces temperature increase, and shortens recovery time by allowing prompt demagnetization and energy dissipation, enhancing the device's structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the superconducting coil transitions from the superconducting state to the normal conducting state
Implementation Method 2
resistance is generated inside the coil
Implementation Method 3
energy can be recovered from the superconducting coil to the induction coil by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 4
a large electromagnetic force can act on the superconducting coil
Implementation Method 5
a large electromagnetic force can act on the superconducting coil due to the transient current unbalance
Implementation Method 6
An eddy current is also generated in a conductor disposed in the vicinity of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet device includes a plurality of superconducting coil excitation circuits which each include a superconducting coil and an exciting power supply thereof and are operable independently of each other, a plurality of quenching detectors each of which detects quenching of the superconducting coil of a corresponding superconducting coil excitation circuit, and a controller that, when at least one of the plurality of quenching detectors detects the quenching, controls the exciting power supply of a superconducting coil excitation circuit in which the quenching is not detected among the plurality of superconducting coil excitation circuits to demagnetize the superconducting coil of that superconducting coil excitation circuit.