US6173577B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and apparatus for cooling systems for cryogenic power conversion electronics
Assignee: American Superconductor Corp
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Filing: 1999-04-20
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Granted: 2001-01-16
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Expires: 2019-04-20
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for cooling systems for cryogenic power conversion electronics are provided. The invention includes systems having electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one cryogenically operated semiconductor switch and at least one cryogenically operated capacitor and cooling means for cryogenically cooling the at least one cryogenically operated semiconductor switch and the at least one cryogenically operated capacitor to a temperature between 90K to 236K. The systems can also include input/output means for supplying power to said power conversion apparatus and receiving power from said power conversion apparatus. In alternative embodiments, liquid cryogens can be used in heat exchange systems in conjunction with refrigeration cold heads or heat pipes. In these embodiments, the cryogen can be recondensed if boiled.
Inventors
- 👤 Calman Gold
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:37
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/20; H05K7/2029; H05K7/20372; H10; H10W; H10W40/00; H10W40/30; H10W40/305; F; F25; F25D; F25D19/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a closed vessel; at least one liquid cryogen comprising a chlorine-free fluorocarbon or a mixture of chlorine-free fluorocarbons within the vessel; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor; a cooling coil at least partially immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen and positioned proximate to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the number of carbons in the fluorocarbon or fluorocarbons is in the range of 2 to 7.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a closed vessel; at least one liquid cryogen comprising a chlorine-free fluorocarbon or a mixture of chlorine-free fluorocarbons within the vessel; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor; a cooling coil at least partially immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen and positioned proximate to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the number of carbons in the fluorocarbon or fluorocarbons is in the range of 2 to 7.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one semiconductor switch is a MOSFET.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the cooling coil is finned.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
140 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a closed vessel; at least one liquid cryogen comprising a fully halogenated chlorine-free fluoroalkane or a mixture of chlorine-free fluoroalkanes within the vessel; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor; a cooling coil at least partially immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen and positioned proximate to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the fluoroalkane or fluoroalkanes comprise molecules having between 3 and 7 carbons.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
140 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a closed vessel; at least one liquid cryogen comprising a fully halogenated chlorine-free fluoroalkane or a mixture of chlorine-free fluoroalkanes within the vessel; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor; a cooling coil at least partially immersed in the at least one liquid cryogen and positioned proximate to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the fluoroalkane or fluoroalkanes comprise molecules having between 3 and 7 carbons.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 4 , wherein the fluoroalkane or fluoroalkanes is selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane decafluoro isobutane, perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 4 , wherein the at least one semiconductor switch is a MOSFET.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 4 , wherein the cooling coil is finned.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the method comprising: immersing at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor in at least one liquid cryogen having a cooling coil at least partially immersed therein such that the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus is proximate to at least a portion of the immersed portion of the cooling coil; wherein the at least one liquid cryogen comprises a chlorine-free fluorocarbon or a mixture of chlorine-free fluorocarbons having between 2 and 7 carbons.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the method comprising: immersing at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor in at least one liquid cryogen having a cooling coil at least partially immersed therein such that the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus is proximate to at least a portion of the immersed portion of the cooling coil; wherein the at least one liquid cryogen comprises a chlorine-free fluorocarbon or a mixture of chlorine-free fluorocarbons having between 2 and 7 carbons.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the at least one semiconductor switch is a MOSFET.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the method comprising: immersing at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor in at least one liquid cryogen having a cooling coil at least partially immersed therein such that the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus is proximate to at least a portion of the immersed portion of the cooling coil; wherein the at least one liquid cryogen comprises a fully halogenated chlorine-free fluoroalkane or a mixture of chlorine-free fluoroalkane having between 3 and 7 carbons.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the method comprising: immersing at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor in at least one liquid cryogen having a cooling coil at least partially immersed therein such that the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus is proximate to at least a portion of the immersed portion of the cooling coil; wherein the at least one liquid cryogen comprises a fully halogenated chlorine-free fluoroalkane or a mixture of chlorine-free fluoroalkane having between 3 and 7 carbons.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the fluoroalkane or fluoroalkanes is selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane decafluoro isobutane, perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least one semiconductor switch is a MOSFET.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
220 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source comprising at least one liquid cryogen contained within a circulation coil exterior to the housing and in contact with at least a portion of the plurality of metallic cold fingers; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane, perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
220 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source comprising at least one liquid cryogen contained within a circulation coil exterior to the housing and in contact with at least a portion of the plurality of metallic cold fingers; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane, perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the circulation coil is connected to a refrigeration unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
190 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive copper substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane,perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
190 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive copper substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane,perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 15 , wherein the at least one liquid cryogen is contained within a circulation coil.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
191 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive beryllium oxide substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane,perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
191 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive beryllium oxide substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane,perfluoro npentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the at least one liquid cryogen is contained within a circulation coil.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
190 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic copper cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane,perfluoro n-pentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
190 words
A cryogenic cooling system for cryogenically cooling at least one electronic power conversion assembly, the system comprising: a housing; at least one electronic power conversion apparatus positioned in the housing, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one semiconductor switch and at least one capacitor, the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus further comprising a thermally conductive substrate disposed on at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; a plurality of metallic copper cold fingers in physical contact with the substrate and configured to cool the substrate when the plurality of metallic cold fingers are in contact with a cooling source; and input/output means for supplying power to the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus and receiving power from the at least one electronic power conversion apparatus; wherein the at least one cryogen comprises a cryogen selected from the group consisting of octafluoropropane, decafluoro n-butane, decafluoro isobutane,perfluoro n-pentane, trifluoromethyl butane, perfluoro isopentane, perfluoro n-hexane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-pentane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, perfluoro n-heptane, trifluoromethyl perfluoro n-hexane, di(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-pentane, tri(trifluoromethyl) perfluoro n-butane, and isomers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 19 , wherein the at least one liquid cryogen is contained within a circulation coil.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-01-16 | 2004-07-17 | 2005-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-16 | 2008-07-17 | 2009-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-16 | 2012-07-17 | 2013-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |