Superconductor Cable Connection Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for superconductor cables are complex and costly, requiring additional cryogenic fluid circuits and specific connecting superconductors, which complicates the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement that uses an electrical splicing device with a semi-conductive covering and electrical connection device within a cryogenic enclosure, featuring junction elements and conductive braids to splice central conductors and shields, eliminating the need for additional cryogenic fluid circuits and allowing for thermal contraction accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional connection arrangement with additional cryogenic fluid circuits and specific connecting superconductors is used, then reliable electrical connection between superconductor cables is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex cryogenic fluid circuits and specific connecting superconductors from the connection arrangement. By using standard superconductor cable ends with their existing cryogenic enclosures, the solution removes the need for additional cryogenic infrastructure while maintaining reliable electrical connection through conventional splicing techniques for the central conductors and shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the connection arrangement universal by using standard superconductor cable components that can be connected without specialized equipment. The same cryogenic enclosures serve both their original cable insulation function and the connection function, eliminating the need for separate connecting superconductors and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If a traditional connection arrangement with additional cryogenic fluid circuits is used, then electrical connection between superconductor cables is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the expensive additional cryogenic fluid circuits and specialized connecting superconductors from the connection arrangement. By using standard superconductor cable ends with their existing cryogenic enclosures, the solution removes the need for additional cryogenic infrastructure while maintaining reliable electrical connection through conventional splicing techniques.
3Reliability
If rigid connection structures are used for superconductor cable connections, then electrical connection is maintained, but thermal contraction deformation is not accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamic principles by allowing the connection arrangement to adapt to thermal contraction through the natural flexibility of the cable structures and the cryogenic enclosure design. The connection maintains electrical continuity while accommodating dimensional changes that occur when superconductors are cooled to operating temperatures, eliminating the need for rigid fixed-position connections.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and flexible connection method that maintains voltage and accommodates thermal deformations, ensuring efficient current conveyance without additional cryogenic fluid requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The semi-conductive covering confines the electric field in the dielectric layer
Implementation Method 2
A cryogenic fluid contained inside the internal shell of the cryostat cools the central conductor through the dielectric layer
Implementation Method 3
until it reaches the temperature at which the conductor is in a state of superconductivity
Implementation Method 4
two concentric shells that are thermally insulated from each other, e.g. by a vacuum at a level of 10−5 millibars (mbar)
Implementation Method 5
It also accommodates thermal contraction-type deformation, due to the temperature of the cryogenic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A connection arrangement for connecting together two superconductor cables, each having a central conductor comprising at least one superconductive part, a dielectric layer surrounding said central conductor, a shield surrounding said dielectric layer and a cryogenic enclosure surrounding said shield, the connection arrangement has an electrical splicing device for splicing together the central conductors and stripped dielectric layers of the corresponding shields. This connection arrangement has a covering made of semi-conductive material that is placed between the two shield ends and an electrical connection device for connecting together the two shield ends, the connection device surrounding the covering, being contained in the cryogenic enclosure, and comprising two junction elements each electrically and mechanically joined to a respective one of the shield ends, and an electrical splicing arrangement for splicing together the two junction elements.