Superconducting Switch Thermal Conduction Layers for Lower Helium Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional superconducting magnet switches require excessive liquid helium during ramp-up and parking due to inefficient thermal management, leading to higher helium consumption.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting switch with a thermal conduction member comprising a high-purity metal layer and a lower thermal conductivity support layer, optimized for minimal helium consumption, where the first layer has high thermal conductivity at low temperatures and the second layer provides mechanical support with matching thermal expansion coefficients, allowing for non-linear energization and reduced cryogen usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional refrigeration cooling with liquid helium tubes is used to cool the switch, then the switch can be cooled to superconducting temperature, but excessive liquid helium is consumed during ramp up and parking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch temperatureVSAvoidliquid helium consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal conduction member is divided into multiple layers with different thermal conductivity properties. The first layer has high thermal conductivity for efficient cooling, while the second layer has lower thermal conductivity to reduce heat transfer from the cooling medium, thereby minimizing liquid helium consumption during switch operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the thermal conduction member are assigned different thermal conductivity characteristics. The portion in contact with the superconducting winding uses high thermal conductivity material for effective heat removal, while the portion contacting the cooling medium uses lower thermal conductivity material to reduce overall helium consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the switch is cooled efficiently to maintain superconductivity, then the magnetic field stability is improved, but more liquid helium is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field stabilityVSAvoidliquid helium consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal conduction member is segmented into layers with optimized thermal conductivity. This segmentation allows efficient heat removal from the superconducting winding to maintain field stability, while the lower thermal conductivity outer layer minimizes the amount of liquid helium required for cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal conduction member uses composite construction with materials of different thermal conductivity properties. This composite structure enables the system to achieve both efficient heat transfer for stability and reduced cryogen consumption by combining high-performance cooling with resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 optimized thermal management minimizes liquid helium consumption during energization and magnet operation, maintaining stability and efficiency in magnetic field preservation.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal conduction member having a first end thermally coupled to the superconducting winding and a second end thermally coupled to the cooling medium within the cooling tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the superconducting circuit has no electrical resistance and therefore can conduct much larger electric currents than ordinary wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 3

the second layer supports the first layer and is constructed of a material having a second thermal conductivity that is lower than the first thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20240274336A1Superconducting switch for a superconducting magnet

Publication Date: 2024.08.15 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A superconducting magnet includes a cooling tank containing a cooling medium and at least one superconducting circuit configured for generating a magnetic field. The superconducting magnet further includes a power supply connected to the superconducting circuit(s) for energizing the superconducting circuit(s) and a superconducting switch electrically connected across ends of the superconducting circuit(s). The superconducting switch includes a superconducting winding and a thermal conduction member having a first end thermally coupled to the superconducting winding and a second end thermally coupled to the cooling medium within the cooling tank. The thermal conduction member includes, at least, a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is constructed of a metal material having a first thermal conductivity. The second layer supports the first layer and is constructed of a material having a second thermal conductivity that is lower than the first thermal conductivity.