Suspended Superconducting Transmission Lines With Cryogenic Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems face limitations in carrying high currents at lower voltages, are susceptible to environmental conditions, and have high energy losses due to thermal resistivity, leading to reduced capacity and increased visual impact and right-of-way requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of superconducting overhead power transmission lines with thermal insulation jackets and active cooling systems to maintain superconducting materials at specified temperatures, reducing heat transfer and energy losses while supporting the conductors mechanically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power transmission lines are used, then the system structure is simple, but energy losses are high due to thermal resistivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs superconducting materials with zero thermal resistivity as the core conductor, replacing conventional copper or aluminum conductors. This composite approach combines superconducting material inside a protective jacket with thermal insulation layers, achieving near-zero energy losses while managing the increased structural complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line structure implements a nested configuration where the superconducting conductor is positioned inside a protective jacket, which contains thermal insulation layers, which in turn are enclosed within a weather-resistant outer layer. This nested arrangement protects the superconducting material while minimizing energy losses through multiple thermal barriers.
2Productivity
If superconducting materials are used, then current transmission capacity increases, but cooling systems are required to maintain temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-cooling mechanism where liquid nitrogen flows through channels within the conductor assembly, providing autonomous cooling without external intervention. The system uses the evaporative cooling effect of liquid nitrogen to maintain the superconducting material below its critical temperature, eliminating the need for complex external refrigeration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes liquid nitrogen flow through hydraulic channels integrated into the conductor structure. The liquid nitrogen is pumped through the conductor assembly, absorbing heat and maintaining superconducting conditions through fluid-based thermal management rather than solid-state refrigeration.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation jackets are added, then heat transfer is reduced, but the conductor assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film thermal insulation layers wrapped around the superconducting conductor. These flexible thermal barriers provide effective heat resistance while maintaining a compact profile, preventing excessive heat transfer from the environment to the superconducting material without adding significant bulk or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor assembly uses composite construction combining the superconducting core with integrated thermal insulation materials and protective jackets. This composite structure achieves effective thermal isolation while maintaining mechanical strength and flexibility, reducing heat transfer losses without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.
4Productivity
If conventional conductors are used, then the visual impact and right-of-way requirements are higher, but the transmission capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses superconducting materials that can carry significantly higher current densities than conventional conductors. This enables the transmission line to transmit triple the power of conventional lines within the same physical corridor, effectively reducing the required right-of-way area for equivalent transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental electrical parameters of the transmission line by using superconducting materials with zero resistance, enabling much higher current transmission. This parameter change allows compact conductor designs that occupy less space while delivering greater power, reducing both visual impact and right-of-way requirements.
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 approach enables higher current transmission with reduced energy losses, independent of environmental conditions, lower visual impact, and narrower right-of-way requirements, enhancing power transmission efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
Each conductor assembly includes a superconducting current carrying element and is configured to receive a coolant flow to maintain the superconductor material within a temperature range below an ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
Each conductor assembly can optionally include a thermally insulating jacket (also referred to herein as a thermal insulation jacket) to contain the coolant flow
Data Source
AI summary
Power transmission systems with cooling mechanisms, and methods of operating the same, are described. A power transmission system can include multiple support tower assemblies. Each of the support tower assemblies includes a support tower. One or more of the support tower assemblies includes a termination (i.e., a connection point via which electrical current and/or coolant can enter the transmission line and/or exit the transmission line). The power transmission system also includes multiple conductor assemblies suspended above a surface of the earth. Each conductor assembly includes an electrical conductor and is positioned between, and mechanically supported by, a pair of the support towers. The power transmission system also includes a coolant supply system that delivers a coolant fluid, during operation of the power transmission system, to at least one of the terminations, for cooling of the conductor assemblies.