Superconducting Winding Support Loops for Rotor Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature superconducting rotor windings in electromotive machines are prone to mechanical stress, strain, and thermal challenges due to bending, torque, and over-speed conditions, leading to potential degradation and heat transfer issues that affect their structural integrity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A winding support structure comprising elongated loops made from high-tensile, low-thermal conductivity materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers, provides radial and tangential support while minimizing heat transfer from the warm rotor core to the superconducting windings, using a cradle and pedestal assembly with a cryogenic transfer system to maintain the windings at critical temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If HTS rotor windings are used to increase output and efficiency, then electrical resistance is reduced to virtually zero, but the windings become sensitive to mechanical bending and tensile stresses that can cause premature degradation and winding failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional components: a cradle for holding the winding, elongated loops for mechanical support, and a pedestal for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive protection against mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes composite materials with high tensile strength and appropriate mechanical properties to withstand bending and tensile stresses. The cradle, loops, and pedestal are constructed from materials engineered to provide both structural integrity and stress distribution, protecting the HTS windings from premature degradation
2Temperature
If coolant flow paths are disposed adjacent to the windings to maintain superconducting temperature, then the windings remain at or below critical temperature, but thermal isolation from the warm rotor becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle and pedestal serve as thermal intermediary components between the warm rotor core and the cryogenically-cooled HTS windings. These structures are positioned to provide mechanical support while minimizing direct thermal conduction paths, allowing thermal isolation without requiring complex multi-layer insulation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes the radial dimension of the rotor to establish thermal isolation. By positioning the cradle and loops in the radial space between the rotor core and windings, the design creates thermal barriers without adding axial or tangential complexity to the cooling system
3Strength
If the support structure provides adequate mechanical support against static and dynamic loads, then winding structural integrity is maintained, but the complexity of withstanding over-speed and fault condition forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated loops are configured to provide counterbalancing support forces against centrifugal loads during over-speed conditions and fault conditions. The loop geometry and positioning create mechanical leverage that distributes dynamic forces away from the windings, reducing the complexity of requiring overly robust support structures
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 support structure effectively withstands mechanical and thermal stresses, reducing the risk of premature degradation and heat transfer, thereby enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of high-temperature superconducting electromotive machines.
Implementation Method 1
elongated loops made from high-tensile, low-thermal conductivity materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers, provides radial and tangential support while minimizing heat transfer from the warm rotor core to the superconducting windings
Implementation Method 2
using a cradle and pedestal assembly with a cryogenic transfer system to maintain the windings at critical temperatures
Implementation Method 3
superconducting rotor windings with virtually no electrical resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (structure) is provided to support a superconductor winding (61) of an electromotive machine. One or more elongated loops (74) and appropriate support structure (120) may be arranged to provide radial and tangential support to the superconducting winding (61). The elongated loops may be made of a material substantially resistant to heat flow. An axially-extending base assembly (100) may be arranged to anchor loops (74) with respect to the rotor core at a proximate end (76) of the elongated loops. A cradle (80) may be configured to define a recess (82) to receive the superconductor winding and to support the elongated loops at a distal end (78) of the loops.