Superconductor Rail Launcher Circuit Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic rail launchers face low energy efficiency due to high circuit resistance, leading to significant energy losses and increased volume and mass, with existing power sources like capacitors offering low energy density and complex technologies required for higher efficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of superconductor means surrounding the rails to generate magnetic induction perpendicular to the rail plane, forming a closed electrical circuit with superconductor coils or dipolar electromagnets, allowing for simultaneous current generation and supply, thereby reducing the required current intensity and enhancing energy transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high intensity currents (100 kA to 10 MA) are used to launch projectile at high speed (>3 km/s), then launching speed is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to significant Joule losses from circuit resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of the circuit by introducing superconducting materials with near-zero resistance. This fundamental parameter change allows maintaining high launch speeds while dramatically reducing Joule losses, as the circuit resistance is reduced from significant values to negligible levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure combining superconducting materials (for zero-resistance current transmission) with conventional conducting materials (for structural support and magnetic field generation). This composite approach enables both high efficiency and functional performance in the rail launcher system.
2Power
If strong inductance coil with long wire length is used to limit current peak, then current control is improved, but total circuit resistance increases making energy efficiency worse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resistance parameter of the inductance coil by using superconducting wire instead of conventional wire. This allows maintaining the required inductance value (for current control) while reducing the resistance to near-zero, eliminating the trade-off between current control capability and energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If capacitor-based impulse voltage sources are used to power the launcher, then simplicity of power source is improved, but energy density is limited and volume/mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter by transitioning from capacitive energy storage (low energy density) to inductive energy storage in superconducting coils (high energy density). This allows storing the same energy in much smaller volume and mass, fundamentally changing the power source characteristics.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional conducting materials are used for rails and coils, then ease of manufacture is improved, but temperature rise during launching increases complicating design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the system by using superconducting materials that operate at low temperatures. This fundamentally alters the thermal management approach from dissipating heat to maintaining cryogenic temperatures, eliminating the temperature rise problem during high-current launching operations.
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 significantly increases energy efficiency and compactness of rail launchers, achieving nearly 90% energy retention and reducing temperature rise, enabling higher launching frequencies and longer rail service life with lower current intensities, while simplifying the technology used.
Implementation Method 1
superconductor means able to generate a magnetic induction of a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the rails and located therebetween during the flow of a current therein
Implementation Method 2
generating a first Laplace force on the sabot which is then accelerated within the gun
Implementation Method 3
supply circuit comprises the superconductor means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of electromagnetic rail launchers, and particularly to a rail launcher and an associated projectile-launching process including at least two longitudinal rails connected to a power supply circuit of these two rails, these rails being at least partially surrounded by superconductor elements able to generate a magnetic induction of a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the rails and located therebetween during the flow of a current therein, launcher wherein the supply circuit includes the superconductor elements.