Superconductive Cable Cooling Layout for Compact Low-Pressure Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of superconductive cables in fields like railways is hindered by the need for large, complex cooling devices that require significant installation space and high maintenance, especially due to the large number of refrigerators and high-pressure components involved in existing cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact cooling device for superconductive cables is designed with a reservoir tank that houses both the circulation pump and cooling units, utilizing a heat exchanging unit with a decompression tank to maintain cooling even when refrigerators fail, and reducing the need for additional refrigerators, thus allowing for efficient operation in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple refrigerators are provided to ensure continuous cooling operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the single refrigerator by equipping it with variable speed control capability. This allows the refrigerator to adjust its cooling output dynamically, replacing the need for multiple fixed-speed refrigerators. The variable speed refrigerator can operate at different capacities to match varying thermal loads, ensuring reliable continuous cooling while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms including variable speed drives for the refrigerator motor and circulation pump. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt its cooling capacity in real-time based on thermal load conditions, eliminating the need for redundant static refrigerator units while maintaining operational reliability.
2Productivity
If high pressure is used to supply refrigerant to maintain constant amount in cable, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but maintenance difficulty and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure to low pressure operation. By using a variable speed circulation pump instead of relying on high pressure, the system can control refrigerant flow rate dynamically. This low-pressure operation maintains cooling effectiveness through controlled flow rather than pressure, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty and safety risks associated with high-pressure systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure supply system with a controlled low-pressure system using variable speed pumping. This substitution eliminates the need for high-pressure containment and safety mechanisms, simplifying the system while maintaining cooling performance through intelligent flow control.
3Area of stationary object
If reservoir tank is equipped with both circulation pump and cooling units, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circulation pump and cooling units into the reservoir tank structure. The pump is positioned within the reservoir tank, and the cooling units are integrated with the tank's internal components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external housings and connection piping, reducing installation space while the modular integration keeps device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the circulation pump is housed within the reservoir tank, and the cooling units are positioned within the same space. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by placing components within the volume already required for refrigerant storage, rather than adding external components.
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 configuration allows for efficient cooling of superconductive cables in limited spaces with reduced maintenance loads, as the cooling device can continue to operate without additional refrigerators and with lower pressure requirements, enhancing reliability and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump unit which is accommodated in the reservoir tank and pumps the refrigerant stored in the reservoir tank
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit which is accommodated in the reservoir tank and supplies the refrigerant to the superconducting cable after cooling the refrigerant pumped from the circulation pump unit
Implementation Method 3
a decompression tank which is formed in the heat exchanging unit, capable of performing heat exchange with the heat exchanging unit, and generates cold by decompressing the refrigerant, introduced into the decompression tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a cooling device for a superconductive cable which can be installed in a limited installation space with an efficient arrangement. A cooling device (10) cools a superconducting cable (11), by supplying and circulating a refrigerant. The cooling device (10) includes a reservoir tank (12) which stores the refrigerant, a circulation pump unit (13) which pumps the refrigerant, and a cooling unit (14) which cools the refrigerant. The circulation pump unit and the cooling unit are accommodated in the reservoir tank, whereby a compact cooling device can be achieved.