Superconductive Multi-Phase Cable Eccentric Thermal Contraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for fluid-cooled cable systems is complex, time-consuming, and inefficient, with challenges in achieving uniform cooling and managing thermal contraction, leading to increased material usage and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A superconductive multi-phase, fluid-cooled cable system is designed with an eccentric arrangement of conductors relative to the thermal insulation, allowing for better space utilization, reduced flow resistance, and enhanced thermal contraction management through a meandering path within the cryostat, which simplifies manufacturing and installation while reducing material usage and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If concentric cable assembly is manufactured with cryostat, then uniform cooling is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable conductor assembly is pre-cooled to cryogenic temperature before being inserted into the cryostat. This preliminary cooling action eliminates the need for complex internal cooling channels and centring mechanisms during assembly, while still achieving uniform cooling through the flexible cryogenic envelope that conforms to the cable's shape.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cryogenic envelope replaces the rigid concentric cryostat structure. This flexible film can adapt to the cable's shape and position, providing uniform thermal contact without requiring precise centring mechanisms or complex rigid structural assemblies.
2Temperature
If concentric arrangement is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal contraction management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable conductor assembly is allowed to move dynamically from a concentric position at room temperature to an eccentric position at cryogenic temperature. This dynamic repositioning accommodates thermal contraction without requiring complex expansion joints or adjustment mechanisms, as the flexible envelope adapts to the position change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a symmetric concentric arrangement to an asymmetric eccentric arrangement during cooling. This asymmetric final position naturally accommodates the thermal contraction of the cable, eliminating the need for symmetric contraction management mechanisms.
3Loss of energy
If precise centring is achieved during cryostat manufacturing, then eddy current losses are reduced, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-cooled before insertion, which eliminates the need for precise centring during assembly. The flexible envelope naturally positions the cable in an optimal eccentric configuration that minimizes eddy current losses without requiring time-consuming precision alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cryogenic envelope self-adjusts to the cable's position and shape through thermal contact, automatically achieving an optimal configuration that minimizes eddy current losses without requiring external centring mechanisms or manual adjustment.
4Reliability
If thicker silver sheath is used to stabilize BSCCO conductors, then reliability improves, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating temperature parameter is changed to cryogenic levels, which fundamentally alters the electrical properties of the conductor. At these low temperatures, the superconducting material exhibits enhanced stability and current-carrying capacity, eliminating the need for thick stabilizing silver sheaths and reducing material usage.
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 design results in a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable cable system with reduced material consumption, improved thermal management, and increased flexibility for AC and DC operations, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction effectively.
Implementation Method 1
fluid-cooled cable system
Implementation Method 2
cooling fluid in the form of liquid nitrogen can flow in the central and ring-shaped concentric cooling channels
Implementation Method 3
superconductive multi-phase, fluid-cooled cable system
Implementation Method 4
accommodating thermal shrinkage and/or expansion of the cable
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a superconductive multi-phase, fluid-cooled cable system comprising a) a cable comprising at least three electrical conductors constituting at least two electrical phases and a zero- or neutral conductor, at least one of said electrical conductors comprising superconductive material, said electrical conductors being mutually electrically insulated from each other, at least two of said electrical conductors being concentrically arranged around each other separated by an electrical insulation, said zero- or neutral conductor forming a common electrical return conductor, and b) a thermal insulation defining a central longitudinal axis and surrounding the cable. At least a part of said superconductive material is present in the form of superconductive tapes, each electrical phase conductor comprising two or more layers of said superconductive tapes, where in each of the electrical phase conductors these layers are organized into one or more groups, each of said groups comprising one or more layers of superconductive tapes arranged with the same pitch direction designated "S" or "Z", where Z refers to a "right-hand" winding and S to a "left-hand" winding of the superconductive tapes, and wherein the superconductive tapes in a first group in each of the electrical phase conductors are stranded with the same pitch direction, e.g. "S". This reduces the eddy-current losses of the cable.