Cryogenic Insulation for Superconducting Transformer Project

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a superconducting transformer, specifically focusing on options for cryogenic insulation. Participants explore various materials and methods to minimize heat loss at low temperatures, particularly around 77 K, while considering the implications of using certain materials on the performance of the transformer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking recommendations for cryogenic insulation materials, suggesting glass microspheres or perlite in a vacuum as potential options, while expressing difficulty in sourcing aerogel.
  • Another participant questions the temperature being maintained and raises concerns about the use of stainless steel walls due to potential eddy currents, suggesting that multilayer insulation (MLI) is typically the best option if a vacuum is achievable.
  • A third participant lists various insulation options, including expanded foams, gas-filled powders, fibrous materials, and multilayer insulation, noting a progression in performance and cost without providing specific sourcing information.
  • A later reply specifies that the project targets a temperature of 77 K, mentions the use of G10 composite and vacuum insulation, and discusses the energy costs associated with cooling, while referencing LCI layered composite insulation from NASA as a potential choice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best insulation methods and materials, with no consensus reached on the optimal solution. There are competing views on the efficacy of MLI versus other materials, and uncertainty remains regarding sourcing and costs.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of using different materials on eddy currents, nor have they established clear sourcing options or costs for the proposed insulation materials.

mitsi_man
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I was hoping there is somewhere on here that can help
Im working on a project designing a superconducting transformer
currently i have to report possible options to use. Does anyone have any experience with cryogenic insulation if so what can you recomend.
It looks like glass microspheres or pearlite in a vacuum is going to be the best option.
also there is aerogel but I am having trouble finding a supplier, we are trying to stay away from MLI as the aluminium will induce eddy currents...
So What I am asking is does anyone have information on cost or sourcing these materials or another alteranatives?
 
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What temperature are you trying to maintain?

If the aluminum causes eddy currents, then aren't stainless steel walls also going to be an issue? I'm assuming the insulation is going to be vacuum insulation, and you're just asking about what to put inside that vacuum. Needless to say, MLI is the best option for that but you need to be able to pull a vacuum.
 
expanded foams
gas-filled poweders and fibrous materials
vacuum alone
evacuated powders and fibrous materials
opacified poweders
multilayer insulation

those are some of the main insulation options listed in order of increasing performance and increasing cost. not sure about cost or sourcing
 
77 K temperature, it will be made of g10 composite and will have a vacuum,
we are trying to minimize the heat loss as much as possible as it takes about 30 times the energy to cool every watt when using cryopumps at that temperature.
ive also seen LCI layered composite insulation on the net from NASA.
it looks like it will be a choice of powder or mli.
 

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