Superconducting machines
US9018805B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K55/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A machine such as a ship's engine has a superconducting component requiring cooling for its operation, and includes a cooling system. The cooling system is operable in first and second modes. In a cool-down phase the cooling system is run in the first mode providing relatively high heat transfer from the superconducting component. On attainment of a desired operating temperature the cooling system is run in the second mode, providing lower heat transfer. This enables a reduced cool-down time of the machine, while allowing economical operation in normal service. The higher level of cooling in the first mode used during the start-up procedure can involve a colder cryogen, or a greater flow of coolant. One way of achieving the latter is to circulate the coolant in normally evacuated regions during the cool-down phase, and then re-establishing the vacuum in these regions for normal service operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.