Mixed cryogen cooling systems for HTS power applications: A status report of progress in Korea University

A cooling system employing a solid cryogen (SC), such as solid nitrogen (SN2), was recently reported for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) applications. However, thermal contact between the SC and the HTS can be degraded by repeated overcurrent runs, resulting in ‘thermal dry-out’. Novel cryogens, SC with small amounts of liquid cryogen, have been suggested to overcome this problem. Such cooling systems rely on the small amount of liquid cryogen to facilitate heat exchange so as to fully exploit the heat capacity of the solid cryogen. This paper presents a description and summary of recent activities at Korea University related to cooling systems employing mixed cryogens of solid–liquid nitrogen, solid argon–liquid nitrogen, and solid nitrogen–liquid neon.

► We present activities at Korea University related to mixed cryogen cooling system. ► We propose mixed cryogens, which is available for various temperature ranges. ► The cooling objects are thermally stable in a mixed cryogen cooling system. ► The thermal dry-out problems are also overcome by the mixed cryogen.