Superconducting Wire Holding Structure for Dew Condensation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dew condensation on the surface of superconducting wires occurs when they are returned from cryogenic temperatures to normal temperatures, leading to degradation of their superconducting characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting wire holding structure is designed with a holding member and a filler made of different materials, where the filler is used to fill the gap between the holding member and the superconducting wire, preventing dew condensation by being easily flowable and solidifiable, such as using a thermosetting resin for the holding member and a thermoplastic resin or paraffin as the filler, ensuring the filler's low viscosity and melting point for effective filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the superconducting wire is returned from cryogenic temperature to normal temperature, then the wire can be handled and manufactured, but dew condensation occurs on the wire surface causing degradation of superconducting characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling and manufacturingVSAvoidsuperconducting characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A holder made of resin material is introduced as an intermediary component to hold the superconducting wire during temperature transitions. The holder acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct exposure of the wire to atmospheric moisture, thereby preventing dew condensation while allowing the wire to be handled and manufactured at normal temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with specific material properties (resin material with appropriate glass transition temperature) that allow it to maintain protective function during temperature changes. By selecting materials with appropriate thermal and mechanical parameters, the holder remains effective in preventing dew condensation while accommodating the wire's temperature transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a holder is used to protect the superconducting wire, then dew condensation is prevented, but the holder itself may generate dew condensation on its inner surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of wire dew condensationVSAvoidholder inner surface dew condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resin material of the holder is selected with specific glass transition temperature parameters to control its thermal behavior. By adjusting the material parameters, the holder's inner surface temperature is managed to prevent dew condensation formation while still protecting the wire from external moisture during temperature transitions.

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

The structure effectively prevents dew condensation on the superconducting wire surface during temperature changes, maintaining the wire's superconducting characteristics and allowing for efficient manufacturing and handling.

Implementation Method 1

the filler is used to fill the gap between the holding member and the superconducting wire, preventing dew condensation by being easily flowable and solidifiable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

there is a gap between the holding member and the superconducting wire when the superconducting wire holding structure is returned from a cryogenic temperature to a normal temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP4033552B1Superconducting wire holding structure
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4033552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4033552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4033552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A superconducting wire holding structure includes a holding member made of a first material, a superconducting wire disposed inside the holding member, and a filler made of a second material different from the first material. The superconducting wire includes a substrate, an intermediate layer formed on the substrate, a superconducting layer formed on the intermediate layer, and a first protective layer and a second protective layer that are formed on the superconducting layer. The superconducting layer includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion along a longitudinal direction of the superconducting wire. The first protective layer is formed on the first portion, and the second protective layer is formed on the second portion. The filler is filled between the third portion and the holding member.