Superconductive Cable Connection Using Cryostat Cooling Agent Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for electrically connecting superconductive cables with multiple concentrically arranged conductors are labor-intensive and require significant effort, especially when reconnecting insulating layers after conductor connection, which can lead to increased dimensions and operational issues in cryostats.
Innovation Solution
The method involves arranging the ends of the cables parallel to each other with opposite directions, securing them mechanically, and using transverse electrical contact elements to connect conductors and separate contact elements for screens, eliminating the need for reapplying insulating layers by using a cryostat housing with a flowable cooling agent as an insulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional connection methods are used to connect two superconductive cables with concentric conductors, then electrical connection is achieved, but the labor effort and time required are extremely high due to the need to reapply insulating layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the insulating layers from the connection process entirely. Instead of applying insulating layers after connection, the method uses the cooling agent in the cryostat as the insulating medium, eliminating the need for manual reapplication of insulation and significantly reducing labor effort and time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the cooling agent as an intermediary substance that serves dual purposes: cooling the superconductive conductors and providing electrical insulation. This mediator replaces the traditional insulating layers, simplifying the connection process while maintaining electrical isolation between conductors
2Reliability
If insulating layers are reapplied after conductor connection, then electrical insulation is restored, but the wall thickness increases significantly impairing cryostat operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling agent performs the insulating function automatically as it flows through the cryostat. The system uses its own operational fluid to provide the insulation that would otherwise require additional material layers, thereby maintaining original wall thicknesses and cryostat dimensions while ensuring reliable electrical insulation
3Productivity
If multiple concentric conductors are connected using traditional methods, then all conductors are electrically connected, but the process requires extremely high labor input especially for three-conductor cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection process into two independent parts: electrical connection of conductors and electrical insulation. By removing the need to reapply insulating layers, it simplifies the process particularly for multi-conductor cables where traditional methods would require repeated insulation applications for each conductor
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling agent is used for multiple functions simultaneously: it cools all superconductive conductors and provides electrical insulation for all conductors. This universal application eliminates the need for separate insulating materials and processes for each conductor, significantly reducing overall complexity
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 approach significantly reduces the effort and time required for cable connection, maintains uniform impedance, and allows for efficient operation without the need for additional insulating material, particularly beneficial for cables with three concentric conductors.
Implementation Method 1
the cables have electrical, conductors of a material which at sufficiently low temperatures chances over into the superconductive state, with a direct current resistance which approaches zero
Implementation Method 2
Suitable cooling agents for all these materials are, for example, nitrogen, helium, neon and hydrogen, or mixtures of these materials
Implementation Method 3
a flowable cooling agent with electrically insulating properties flows through the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for electrically conductively connecting two superconductive cables. The ends of the two cables are arranged next to each other and parallel to one another, in such a way that their free ends point in the opposite direction, and their conductors are located at least approximately on the same level next to each other. Two conductors of the two cables are electrically conductively connected to each other through electrical contact elements (10, 11, 12). The screens (6) of the two cables (1, 2) are connected through by separate contact elements (13, 14, 15) and the two cable ends are treated in this manner for constructing a transmission length for electrical energy are arranged jointly in a housing (16) of a cryostat so that during operation of the transmission length, a flowable cooling agent with electrically insulating properties flows through a housing (16) of a cryostat.