Superconducting Magnetic Shield for Aerospace Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Superconducting machines face challenges in magnetic shielding due to the limitations of high permeability and eddy current shields, including large size, Joule heating losses, and susceptibility to transient failures, which are not suitable for aerospace applications with high switching loads and low inertia.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic shielding arrangement comprising a superconducting magnetic shield, a second eddy current shield, and a third high magnetic permeability shield, with a thermal barrier and a control system to monitor and maintain magnetic field within safe limits, allowing for efficient and reliable shielding even during transient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If high permeability shields are used to contain magnetic fields, then magnetic field containment is improved, but shield radial thickness becomes prohibitively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field containmentVSAvoidshield radial thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from high permeability ferromagnetic material to superconducting material, which fundamentally alters the shielding mechanism from magnetic permeability-based to Meissner effect-based shielding, enabling thin shield design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic permeability-based shielding mechanism with a superconducting quantum mechanical effect (Meissner effect), substituting classical magnetic shielding with quantum-based field exclusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Weight of stationary object

If eddy current shields are used to reduce shield weight, then shield weight is reduced, but Joule heating losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield weightVSAvoidJoule heating losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the eddy current shielding mechanism with a superconducting Meissner effect mechanism, substituting resistive electromagnetic shielding with lossless quantum-based field exclusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter from finite (in eddy current shields) to zero (in superconductors), eliminating Joule heating losses while maintaining shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If superconducting shields are used to eliminate Joule heating losses, then energy losses are eliminated, but reliability decreases due to transient susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveJoule heating lossesVSAvoidshield reliability during transients

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the superconducting shield with sufficient thermal mass and cooling capacity to cushion against transient thermal disturbances, preventing premature quenching during transient events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors the superconducting shield's temperature and magnetic field conditions, adjusting cooling power to maintain superconducting state during transient operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 arrangement provides a lightweight, efficient, and reliable magnetic shielding solution that reduces radial thickness and heat losses, while ensuring the magnetic field is contained within predetermined limits, making it suitable for aerospace applications.

Implementation Method 1

a superconducting magnetic shield which contains and redirects magnetic flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMeissner effect: Meissner Effect

Implementation Method 2

eddy current shields which are generally electrically conductive layers which surround the machine and have eddy currents induced in them by the magnetic field radiating from the machine. These eddy currents set up opposing magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a control system to monitor and maintain magnetic field within safe limits, allowing for efficient and reliable shielding even during transient conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2579431B1A magnetic shield

Publication Date: 2020.07.29 ROLLS ROYCE PLC

Figure 1~2

AI summary

This invention relates to a magnetic shielding arrangement, comprising: at least one magnetic flux source (12); a superconductor magnetic shield (14) at least partially surrounding the magnetic flux source (12); a second shield (16) at least partially surrounding the superconductor magnetic shield (14).