Module overview
This module will be first offered in 21/22.
This module introduces the science and engineering of cryogenic and superconductor technology. The use of superconducting systems in medical imaging, particle accelerators and electrical machines/energy storage is growing, and this module aims to introduce the properties and behaviour of superconducting systems, consider the design and use of the associated cryogenic cooling systems to enable superconducting behaviour and provide some study on relevant applications of this technology.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The production of low temperatures.
- The properties of materials at low temperatures.
- The principles of superconductivity.
- Examples of low temperature applications relevant to energy technology.
- Heat transfer at low temperatures.
- Cryogenic engineering and superconducting applications.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Possess the basic skills to undertake low temperature measurement.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse complex cryogenic/superconducting systems.
- Relate multidisciplinary parameters to a system design.
- Search and critically review technical literature.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain and justify the role and requirements of a specialised engineering sector.
- Think, observe, communicate, evaluate multidisciplinary information and data, analyse and solve problems and apply.
Syllabus
Matter at low temperatures
The three phases of matter
Phase diagrams and “permanent” gasesHow to make cold
Thermodynamics of reverse carnot cycle and practical refrigeration cycles
Cold expansion of gases, Joule Thompson effect and liquefaction
Practical Cryogenic Cycles
Working with cold environments
Heat leaks, mechanisms, real examples.
Cryostat Design, cryogen handling.
Instrumentation, cooling of equipment.
Superconductivity
Thermal electrical properties of materials at low temperatures
Basic properties of superconductivity
Applications in science, medicine, and power machines.
Design Case Study
The need for superconducting magnetic energy storage
Design considerations: electromagnetics, thermal stability, quench protection.
Design choices, superconductor performance, and cooling optimisation.
Power Electronics for SMES
Practical Laboratory
Test of a superconducting transition and its electromagnetic performance.
Power Electronics for SMES
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A series of lectures supported with a laboratory and a coursework. The laboratories are to be hands on to give a real experience of cryogens and test and measurement at low temperatures and will be early to mid-period to coincide with superconductor properties in lectures, and the relevance of integrating power electronics with superconducting magnetic energy storage The design study comes later in the course to give the opportunity for students to apply most aspects of the syllabus.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 3 |
| Follow-up work | 36 |
| Revision | 18 |
| Completion of assessment task | 15 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Barron R.F.. Cryogenic Systems.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 70% |
| Case study | 15% |
| Laboratory | 7.5% |
| Laboratory | 7.5% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External