SUPERCONDUCTING POWER SYSTEMS
Composite systems for superconducting cable systems
Enoflex improves the cryogenic architecture inside high temperature superconductor cable systems, reducing coolant pressure drop, thermal movement and weight.
THE APPLICATION
High-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables need continuous liquid nitrogen cooling to operate. That cooling runs through a cryostat, a pipe-in-pipe system that keeps the cable at -196°C along its full length.
The pipe architecture inside that cryostat determines how much energy is spent pumping coolant, how much stress the system takes on during thermal cycling, and how straightforward the installation is.
Enoflex supplies the composite former and cryogenic pipework that keep HTS cables cool with liquid nitrogen. The smooth bore and low thermal expansion of the composite reduce the pressure drop and thermal stress that corrugated steel systems carry.
THE ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
Pressure drop
Corrugated bore increases pumping energy and cost.
Thermal contraction
Steel needs expansion loops that add complexity and failure points.
Weight
Heavier systems need more support structure.
Tight tolerances
Cable systems have little room for installation error.
APPLICATIONS
Composite cryostat for cooling and former for HTS cable at -195°C.
Composite LNG terminals and pipeline at -165°C.
Lightweight composite pipe for liquid hydrogen fuel systems at -253°C.