Compact Superconducting Phase Conductor Unit for Short-Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-phase power supply networks using superconductive materials for short-circuit protection are complex to manufacture and require large space due to the need for multiple cryostats, one for each phase, making them cumbersome and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact, one-piece unit is designed where three superconductive phase conductors are arranged in spiral windings on a single carrier, connected via simple electrical links, and housed in a single cryostat, reducing material usage and space requirements, with stress-resistant spacers and insulating materials for efficient cooling and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cryostats are used for each phase, then short-circuit protection is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate phase conductors into a single integrated cryostat housing, merging what would traditionally be three separate units into one compact structure. This reduces the number of individual cryostats from three to one, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining protection for all three phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cryostat housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation and cooling for all three phase conductors, offers mechanical support for the entire assembly, and delivers short-circuit protection across all phases. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each phase.
2Reliability
If multiple separate cryostats are used for each phase, then phase isolation is maintained, but space requirements and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests all three phase conductors within a single cryostat housing, with each conductor arranged in a compact spiral configuration. The conductors are positioned concentrically or adjacently within the same thermal envelope, effectively nesting multiple functional elements into one compact space rather than requiring three separate housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase conductors are arranged in spiral windings along the longitudinal axis of the cryostat, utilizing the length dimension rather than spreading out in separate planar units. This three-dimensional arrangement allows all three phases to coexist within a compact cylindrical volume, significantly reducing the footprint compared to separate horizontal units.
3Reliability
If complex bifilar configurations are used, then short-circuit protection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each phase conductor is divided into multiple spiral windings or segments arranged along the length of the cryostat. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standard spiral winding techniques to be used, rather than requiring complex bifilar twisting patterns, while still achieving the necessary inductance and protection characteristics.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing and installation process, reduces space and material needs, and allows for efficient protection against short-circuit currents while maintaining effective cooling and insulation, enhancing the overall efficiency and practicality of the power supply network.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical DC resistance of a superconducting conductor is zero with sufficient cooling, as long as the critical current is not exceeded
Implementation Method 2
when a certain current, the critical current, is exceeded. The electrical DC resistance of a superconducting conductor is zero with sufficient cooling, as long as the critical current is not exceeded
Implementation Method 3
Sufficiently low temperatures to bring such a material into the superconducting state are, for example, between 67 K and 110 K
Implementation Method 4
The material heats up in the normal conducting state due to its ohmic losses, and its electrical resistance increases further
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An arrangement for current limiting in a power supply network is described. This arrangement is integrated into the network and comprises superconducting conductors mounted on at least one plate-like support (1) made of insulating material. Three separate superconducting phase conductors (2, 3, 4) are arranged on the at least one support, running parallel to each other in helical turns, for separate connection to the phases of a three-phase alternating current network.