Convectively cooled electrical grid structure
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
InventorsJames A. Paterson, Gary W. Koehler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Undesirable distortions of electrical grid conductors (12) from thermal cycling are minimized and related problems such as unwanted thermionic emission and structural failure from overheating are avoided by providing for a flow of fluid coolant within each conductor (12). The conductors (12) are secured at each end to separate flexible support elements (16) which accommodate to individual longitudinal expansion and contraction of each conductor (12) while resisting lateral displacements, the coolant flow preferably being directed into and out of each conductor through passages (48) in the flexible support elements (16). The grid (11) may have a modular or divided construction which facilitates manufacture and repairs.
Claims16
In a fluid cooled electrical grid having a plurality of electrical conductors spaced apart to define a plurality of openings through the grid and having conductor support means for supporting said conductors while enabling axial extension and contraction thereof in response to temperature changes, the improvement comprising:
- said conductors having internal flow passages which extend therewithin and wherein said grid includes convective cooling means for directing a flow of fluid coolant through said internal flow passages of said conductors.
An electrical grid comprising:
- a frame having an opening therethrough,
- first and second columns of flexible support elements extending from said frame, said first and second columns being disposed along opposite sides of said opening of said frame and each of said support elements having a coolant flow passage therein,
- a plurality of spaced apart parallel electrical conductors each having a first end portion secured to an individual one of said support elements of said first column thereof and having a second end portion secured to an individual one of said support elements of said second column thereof, each of said conductors having an internal flow passage communicated with said coolant passages of the ones of said support elements to which the conductor is secured, and
- convective cooling means for directing a flow of fluid coolant through said coolant passages of said support elements and said internal flow passages of said conductors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.