Apparatus and System to Maximize Heat Capacity in Cryogenic Devices

Abstract

Apparatus and methods to add heat capacity to a cryogenic apparatus such as a superconducting magnet are provided. A body of liquid cryogen having a relatively high heat capacity is stored at cryogenic temperatures in a low temperature vessel that is thermally linked to a cold mass within the cryogenic apparatus. The low temperature vessel is connected to a manifold system located on the exterior of the cryogenic apparatus. The manifold is further connected to a room temperature vessel so that gas is allowed to freely move between the low temperature and room temperature vessels. In one exemplary mode of operation, it is possible to simultaneously operate the system with a full capacity of liquid cryogen in the low temperature vessel, operate the system with a maximum pressure substantially below 757 atmospheres regardless of the temperature of the low temperature vessel, operate the system with positive pressure regardless of the temperature of the low temperature vessel, and cycle the temperature of the low temperature vessel between room and cryogenic temperatures without releasing gas from the system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.