A novel cooling scheme for superconducting power cables

Long distance transmission of electrical power with superconducting cables is likely necessary for energy conservation and effective utilization of renewable energy sources. The performance and cost of such superconducting lines is as significantly influenced by cryogenic issues as by superconductor performance. One significant cryogenic issue is that in the usual method of cooling using sub-cooled cryogen flow there is a limited cable length before the cryogen needs to be re-cooled. This adds complexity and cost to the cable system. Here we address this problem by utilizing the latent heat of the cryogen without the complication of multi-phase flow. The cryogen is distributed to the superconducting components by spraying it through small holes in a pressurized line. The pressurized liquid exiting the holes turns into mixed liquid and vapor with a temperature near the boiling point of the cryogen at the pressure of the space surrounding the superconducting components. The pressure in the space surrounding the superconducting components is then kept near atmospheric by maintaining short distances to a vent. The sprayed liquid accumulates but rapidly vaporizes in response to the heat load, providing even cooling power at a fixed temperature for the entire length of the line. Our work indicates that it may be possible to implement a cooling system with much simplified cryogenic stations at the cable ends and allowing cable lengths of up to 100 km with no intermediate cooling stations.

Research highlights► New cooling method for superconducting power cables uses latent heat of liquid nitrogen. ► Significantly decreases complexity, power consumption and cost of cooling system. ► Increases distance between re-cooling stations. ► Enhances reliability of cable system.