Superconductive Motor Shielding Sleeve Flux Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric motors using high-temperature superconductors suffer from energy losses due to hysteresis and eddy currents, limiting their efficiency and requiring cryogenic cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A superconductive electromagnetic device with a shielding sleeve and high-temperature superconductors cooled by liquid nitrogen, which increases air gap flux density and reduces losses by concentrating magnetic flux and canceling stray fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-temperature superconductors are used in electric motors, then current density and DC losses are improved, but cryogenic cooling systems are required to maintain low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by using high-temperature superconductors that operate at elevated temperatures compared to conventional superconductors, allowing the use of more practical cooling systems while maintaining superconducting properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining superconducting materials with specific magnetic field shielding materials to reduce hysteresis losses and eliminate the need for complex cooling systems while maintaining energy efficiency
2Power
If electrical current is increased to produce stronger magnetic fields, then electromotive force is improved, but energy consumption increases and RPM peak is limited by back EMF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field generation mechanism by using permanent magnets instead of electromagnetic windings, eliminating back EMF limitations and allowing continuous speed increase without proportional energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field generation system with a permanent magnet system, substituting the need for high current electrical input with a passive magnetic field source that does not suffer from back EMF constraints
3Strength
If ferrous metal components are used in the motor, then structural strength is improved, but hysteresis losses increase due to magnetization changes in alternating magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures where ferrous components are replaced or supplemented with non-ferrous magnetic materials that provide necessary structural strength while exhibiting minimal hysteresis losses in alternating magnetic fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates ferrous metal components that cause hysteresis losses, and the resulting weight reduction and efficiency improvement become beneficial features of the motor design
4Quantity of substance
If conductive motor components are used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but eddy currents are unintentionally induced creating magnetic drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments conductive components into electrically isolated sections using non-conductive barriers or laminations, preventing the formation of large eddy current loops while maintaining necessary electrical conductivity for motor operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent strategically places non-conductive materials in positions where they block eddy current paths, and the resulting reduced magnetic drag becomes a performance advantage that outweighs the slight reduction in overall conductivity
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 solution significantly increases the efficiency of electric motors and generators by reducing hysteresis and eddy current losses, achieving an average 14.9% efficiency improvement over conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
A superconductive electromagnetic device with a shielding sleeve and high-temperature superconductors cooled by liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
high-temperature superconductors have been used to design electric motors due to their high current density and low DC losses
Data Source
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AI summary
A non-traditional topology of a superconductive electric motor or generator increases the air gap flux density by reducing stray flux and concentrating lines of flux within the air gap. An electric motor or generator utilizing the invention will include three components: a rotating armature, a permanent magnet stator and a shielding sleeve. The shielding sleeve of the motor is a hollow cylinder that fits between the armature and the stator, and is configured to cool a plurality of high-temperature superconductors within it to a temperature below their critical temperatures. These superconductors are placed at an optimized position to redirect flux and promote greater efficiency.