Variable Resistive Layer for Superconducting Magnet Quench Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting magnets face challenges with resistive heating due to transverse current flow across turns, which can lead to temperature increases and damage, and existing solutions either reduce detection and protection costs but introduce undesirable inductive heating or reduce magnetic field efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet with a variable electrically resistive layer having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance is used, positioned between the winding turns of the superconductive material, allowing controlled transverse current flow to prevent quenching and distribute resistive heating effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical insulation is positioned between the turns of the superconducting coil to prevent transverse current flow, then resistive heating is reduced, but inductive heating increases and magnetic field efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a variable electrically resistive layer whose resistance changes with temperature. At normal operating temperatures, the layer has high resistance to block transverse current and reduce resistive heating. When temperature increases indicate a quench event, the resistance decreases to allow transverse current flow and distribute heat. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between preventing resistive heating during normal operation and allowing heat distribution during quench events.
2Reliability
If a metallic or electrically conductive layer is used between the coils to allow transverse current flow, then protection from resistive heating is improved, but inductive heating increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a variable electrically resistive layer that dynamically adjusts its electrical resistance based on temperature conditions. During normal operation, the layer maintains high resistance to prevent transverse current flow and maximize magnetic field efficiency. During quench events, the resistance decreases to enable transverse current flow and distribute heat. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between protection reliability and operational productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical insulation is used between the turns, then transverse current flow is prevented and resistive heating is reduced, but the ability to distribute heat during quench events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a variable electrically resistive layer whose resistance changes with temperature. At normal operating temperatures, the layer has high resistance to block transverse current and reduce resistive heating. When temperature increases indicate a quench event, the resistance decreases to allow transverse current flow and distribute heat. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between preventing resistive heating during normal operation and allowing heat distribution during quench events.
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 provides enhanced protection against resistive heating, reduces the risk of damage, and maintains magnetic field efficiency by allowing controlled transverse current flow, thus minimizing the need for costly protection systems and refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
a variable electrically resistive layer having a negative temperature coefficient of resistance, positioned between the winding turns of the superconductive material
Implementation Method 2
A superconducting magnet is an electromagnet made from coils of superconducting wire, tape or cable which operates in a superconducting state to conduct much larger electric currents than is possible with ordinary wire, thereby creating intense magnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
Resistive voltages within the superconducting magnet produce internal heating within the superconducting magnet, in the region of the resistive voltage, wherein the internal heating is equal to the product of the resistive voltage and the current flowing from the higher voltage potential (VU) to the lower voltage potential (VL)
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet which provides a barrier to current flow transverse to the length of the superconductor at operational temperature and voltages, while also providing a magnetic quench protection mechanism for the superconducting magnet. The superconducting magnet comprising a plurality of winding turns of superconductive material wound into a coil and a variable electrically resistive layer varying with either temperature or voltage positioned between at least of portion of the plurality of winding turns of the superconductive material, wherein the variable electrically resistive layer has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance or is a semiconductor with a threshold voltage greater than operational voltages.