Superconducting Magnet Permanent Current Switch Thermal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting magnets with permanent current switches face challenges in quickly changing their state due to heat conduction issues, leading to prolonged excitation times and increased operation costs for the refrigerating unit.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet design incorporating a refrigerating unit, thermal conductor, permanent current switch, liquid storage chamber, condenser, and check valve configuration that utilizes boiling heat conduction to quickly lower the temperature of the permanent current switch, reducing excitation time and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the permanent current switch is thermally connected to the refrigerating unit through a thermal conductor, then the switching speed is improved, but the heat generated by the heater is conducted to the superconducting magnet, increasing the heat load and operation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conductor is divided into two distinct sections: a first thermal conductor connecting the permanent current switch to the refrigerating unit, and a second thermal conductor connecting the superconducting magnet to the refrigerating unit. This segmentation allows independent thermal management, enabling the permanent current switch to be rapidly cooled without necessarily cooling the superconducting magnet, thus reducing unnecessary heat load on the magnet system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thermal conductivity characteristics are applied to different parts of the thermal conduction path. The first thermal conductor (for the permanent current switch) is designed with appropriate thermal conductivity to enable rapid switching, while the second thermal conductor (for the superconducting magnet) is designed to minimize heat load. This local optimization of thermal properties allows each component to have its thermal conduction characteristics tailored to its specific functional requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the permanent current switch is isolated thermally from the refrigerating unit, then the heat load on the superconducting magnet is reduced, but the excitation time increases due to slower cooling of the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conduction path is segmented into separate channels for the permanent current switch and the superconducting magnet. This allows the permanent current switch to have dedicated thermal connection to the refrigerating unit for rapid cooling during switching operations, while the superconducting magnet has its own thermal path that can be optimized to minimize heat load, thus resolving both the speed and energy loss requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal connection configuration is made dynamic through the segmented design, allowing the system to optimize thermal conduction based on operational requirements. During switching operations, the first thermal conductor provides rapid heat removal from the permanent current switch, while during normal operation, the second thermal conductor maintains the superconducting magnet at optimal temperature with minimal heat load.
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 allows for rapid switching of the superconducting magnet, reducing excitation time and operational costs by efficiently managing heat transfer and refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent current switch that is thermally connected to the refrigerating unit through the thermal conductor
Implementation Method 2
When the superconducting wire is heated by the heater to a temperature exceeding the superconducting critical temperature, the superconducting wire becomes a normal conducting state
Implementation Method 3
A superconducting magnet design incorporating a refrigerating unit, thermal conductor, permanent current switch, liquid storage chamber, condenser, and check valve configuration that utilizes boiling heat conduction to quickly lower the temperature of the permanent current switch
Data Source
AI summary
Provided superconducting magnet allowing the temperature of the permanent current switch to be quickly lowered and the excitation time of the superconducting magnet to be shortened, an MRI apparatus and an NMR apparatus having the superconducting magnet. A superconducting magnet structure is disclosed in which a superconducting coil 1 is connected to a second stage 22 of a refrigerating unit 2 through a low-temperature-side highly thermal conductor 3 and a permanent current switch 4 covered by a highly thermal conductor 5 is connected to a second stage 22 of the refrigerating unit 2 through a heat insulator 6 and a low-temperature-side highly thermal conductor 3. Gas is supplied from a gas bottle 8 disposed outside a vacuum vessel 16 to a condenser 11 in a thermal shield 12. In addition, a first pipe 14 that supplies condensate liquid to a liquid storage chamber 7 is provided. The liquid storage chamber 7 is disposed at an upper portion of the permanent current switch 4. A check valve 13 is connected to the first pipe 14.