Superconducting Cable Terminal Flexible Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Superconducting cables face challenges in maintaining electrical contact during thermal expansion and contraction, as the conductor inside a cryostat moves freely, leading to issues with radial expansion and contraction.

Innovation Solution

A terminal structure featuring a tubular part with flexible ribs that allows longitudinal movement of the conductor, ensuring constant electrical contact through radially inward and outward flexible ribs, which absorb dilation or contraction, and is connected via a pipe socket with superinsulation and an insulating material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the conductor is rigidly connected with the bushing to maintain electrical contact, then electrical contact is ensured, but the conductor cannot move freely during thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidconductor movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is designed with flexible ribs that can deform radially to accommodate longitudinal movement of the conductor during thermal expansion and contraction, while maintaining continuous electrical contact. The flexible ribs act as a compliant interface between the rigid bushing structure and the moving conductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the bushing and conductor transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection. The flexible ribs enable the bushing to adapt its shape dynamically in response to conductor movement, maintaining electrical contact throughout the thermal cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible connection is used to allow conductor movement, then thermal expansion and contraction are accommodated, but electrical contact reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor movementVSAvoidelectrical contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible ribs within the bushing provide a controlled flexible connection that accommodates conductor movement while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The ribs are designed to remain in continuous contact with the conductor throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing structure is segmented into multiple flexible ribs rather than a single rigid wall. This segmentation allows localized deformation at each rib while maintaining overall structural integrity and continuous electrical contact with the conductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If expensive specialized components are used to solve the thermal movement problem, then reliable electrical contact during thermal cycles is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact during thermal cyclesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing with flexible ribs serves multiple functions: providing electrical insulation, maintaining electrical contact, and accommodating thermal movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing design changes the physical parameters of the connection interface by introducing flexibility through ribs. This parameter change allows the use of standard manufacturing processes and commercially available materials rather than requiring expensive specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution maintains electrical contact during thermal cycles, avoiding expensive alternatives and utilizing commercially available components, ensuring reliable contact even during radial expansion or contraction.

Implementation Method 1

the tubular part (7) has a large number of radially inwardly flexible and/or radially outwardly flexible ribs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The pipe socket (4) is fitted on the housing (3). The pipe socket (4) is designed with two shells (4a and 4b), and the space between the two shells is filled with superinsulation and evacuated. The space between the conductor (2a) and the inner shell (4a) is filled with an insulating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS7605329B2Terminal structure

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 NEXANS SA

AI summary

A terminal structure (2) for a superconducting cable (1) is described. It consists of a conductor (2a) and an insulator (2b) that surrounds the conductor (2a), wherein the superconducting cable (1) has a core with a superconducting conductor (5) and a layer of insulation that surrounds the conductor (5), and wherein the core is arranged in such a way that it can move longitudinally in a cryostat. The conductor (2a) of the terminal structure (2) is electrically connected with the superconducting conductor (5) or with a normal conductor (6) that is connected with the superconducting conductor (5) by means of a tubular part (7) made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the superconducting conductor (5) or the normal conductor (6) can slide in the part (7) in the direction of the superconductor.