Abstract
A rotating coupling for a superconducting prototype generator was developed and tested. It connects the rotor to the helium liquefier and the external vacuum pump. One liquid and four gas helium streams are separated from each other by labyrinth seals. The vacuum connection is located around the centerline and sealed by a magnetic fluid seal. A special arrangement of the liquid helium duct provides self-acting regulation of the liquid helium level in the rotor.
The rotating coupling was tested in a special test facility. It was operated at rotational speeds up to 3000 rpm at room temperature and for about 90 hours with liquid helium. Proper functioning of the automatic liquid level regulation system was established. All the welds and the magnetic fluid seal remained vacuum-tight during operation.
In a separate long-term test a magnetic fluid seal was successfully operated for almost four years.
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© 1986 Plenum Press, New York
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Intichar, L., Müller, O., Schnapper, C. (1986). Construction and Testing of a Rotating Helium Coupling for a Superconducting Generator. In: Fast, R.W. (eds) Advances in Cryogenic Engineering. Advances in Cryogenic Engineering, vol 31. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2213-9_28
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2213-9_28
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