Superconductor Connector Cooling With Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling arrangements for electrical connectors in superconductor systems face a dilemma where minimizing electrical resistance to reduce I2R losses conflicts with maximizing thermal resistance to prevent thermal heat-soak, and existing solutions either fail to provide sufficient electrical isolation or are inefficient in heat management.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conducting and electrically insulating arrangement is implemented, comprising an electrically insulating member contacting the electrical connector, a thermally conducting member contacting the insulating member, and being thermally connected to a cryocooler, which includes a U-shaped plate member, hollow insulating members, and a braided conducting member to manage thermal contraction and ensure good thermal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cross-sectional area of the electrical connector is increased to reduce I2R losses, then the electrical resistance is minimized, but thermal heat-soak increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple segments: a first electrical connector portion with larger cross-sectional area for low I2R losses, and a second electrical connector portion with smaller cross-sectional area for reduced thermal heat-soak. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrical connector are assigned different cross-sectional areas based on their specific functional requirements. The first portion near the ambient temperature side has larger area for electrical performance, while the second portion near the cryogenic side has smaller area for thermal performance, creating local optimization throughout the connector structure.
2Temperature
If the cross-sectional area of the electrical connector is reduced to minimize thermal heat-soak, then thermal resistance is increased, but I2R losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple segments: a first electrical connector portion with larger cross-sectional area for low I2R losses, and a second electrical connector portion with smaller cross-sectional area for reduced thermal heat-soak. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrical connector are assigned different cross-sectional areas based on their specific functional requirements. The first portion near the ambient temperature side has larger area for electrical performance, while the second portion near the cryogenic side has smaller area for thermal performance, creating local optimization throughout the connector structure.
3Temperature
If a thermally conducting member is used to cool the electrical connector, then thermal heat-soak is reduced, but electrical isolation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conducting and electrically insulating arrangement is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical connector and the thermally conducting member. This intermediary component enables thermal cooling of the electrical connector while simultaneously maintaining electrical isolation, thus resolving the contradiction between thermal management and electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally conducting and electrically insulating arrangement utilizes composite material properties that combine thermal conductivity with electrical insulation. This allows the system to achieve both thermal heat-soak reduction and electrical isolation simultaneously, rather than having to choose one or the other.
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 solution effectively reduces thermal heat-soak while maintaining low electrical resistance, providing sufficient electrical isolation and mechanical support for the electrical connectors, enabling operation at high voltages without liquid cryogenic coolants and accommodating differential thermal contraction.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conducting member contacting the electrically insulating member and the thermally conducting member being thermally connected to the cryocooler to cool the electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
an electrically insulating member contacting the electrical connector, a thermally conducting member contacting the electrically insulating member
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling arrangement for an electrical connector for a superconductor including at least one superconductor arranged in a container and the container is arranged in a vacuum chamber. A cryocooler is thermally connected to the container to cool the container and the contents of the container including the superconductor. The electrical connector extends through the vacuum chamber and the container to the at least one superconductor. The electrical connector has a thermally conducting and electrically insulating arrangement. The thermally conducting and electrically insulating arrangement comprises an electrically insulating member contacting the electrical connector. A thermally conducting member contacts the electrically insulating member and the thermally conducting member is thermally connected to the to cool the electrical connector.