Patent attributes
A superconducting cable assembly includes a first annular passage disposed concentrically around the superconducting cable and having first and second ends and an inlet, a second annular passage disposed concentrically around the first passage and having first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the second passage is in communication with at least one of the first and second ends of the first passage, the second passage further having an outlet. A coolant provided by a cryogenic refrigeration system is directed through the inlet, passes through the first passage in a first direction, passes through the second passage in a second direction opposite to the first direction and exits the assembly through the outlet. With this arrangement, the superconducting cable is cooled to the critical temperature by coolant flowing through the first passage and the coolant flowing through the second passage intercepts ambient heat so as to act as a heat shield for the first passage.
