Superconducting fault current limiter having weight sensing unit, and method for measuring refrigerant level using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting fault current limiters face challenges in measuring refrigerant levels due to the need for a level meter, which increases size and generates heat, making it difficult to maintain the superconducting element's temperature and requiring larger insulation distances, thus hindering compact design and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting fault current limiter equipped with a weight sensing unit that measures refrigerant levels by detecting changes in the tank's weight, eliminating the need for a level meter and allowing for a more compact design by minimizing insulation distances and adjusting the tank's height to reduce stress on the busbar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a level meter is used to measure refrigerant level, then refrigerant level measurement is enabled, but device size increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a traditional level meter and implements it through a weight sensing unit that measures the weight of the cooling tank. By removing the level meter component entirely and using weight-based measurement, the device size is reduced while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical level meter system with a weight sensing system. Instead of using a physical level meter that extends into the tank, the system uses weight sensors to measure tank weight and calculates refrigerant level from weight changes, eliminating the need for mechanical level measurement components
2Measurement precision
If a level meter is used to measure refrigerant level, then refrigerant level measurement is enabled, but heat load increases making it difficult to maintain superconducting temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the level meter from the cooling tank environment. By measuring tank weight externally through weight sensing units rather than placing a level meter inside the tank, the heat load on the superconducting element is eliminated while refrigerant level measurement is still achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tank weight as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure refrigerant level. Instead of directly measuring level with a level meter that would conduct heat, the system measures weight (which does not affect temperature) and calculates level from weight changes
3Measurement precision
If insulation distance is increased to accommodate level meter, then level measurement is possible, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the level measurement function from the cooling tank interior by using external weight sensing units. This eliminates the need for internal level meter components and associated insulation distances, allowing for a more compact cooling tank design
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
Enables precise refrigerant level measurement without increasing size, reduces heat generation, and allows for a more compact and efficient superconducting fault current limiter by minimizing insulation distances and stress on the busbar, thereby improving operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensing unit provided on a lower side of the tank unit to measure a change in weight of the tank unit
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit positioned on a side part of the tank unit to cool the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a superconducting element 120 configured to be electrically connected to an external power source and an input/output terminal 130 to allow an operating current to flow, quickly limits a fault current by generating a high resistance as it transitions from a superconducting state to a normal conducting state when a fault current is detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a superconducting fault current limiter and, more specifically, to a superconducting fault current limiter having a weight sensing unit, and a method for measuring a refrigerant level using same. The superconducting fault current limiter having a weight sensing unit, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a tank unit; a superconducting element; a cooling unit; and a weight sensing unit. The method for measuring a refrigerant level using a superconducting fault current limiter having a weight sensing unit, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a standard weight measurement step; a minimum level measurement step; a maximum level measurement step; and an appropriate level range identification step.