Thermal insulation

Institute for Technical Physics

Holger Neumann

Don‘t be afraid of low temperatures

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH) www.kit.edu
 Content

Relevance of thermal insulation in cryogenics

Overview of different insulation materials

Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation

Description
Heat transfer calculations
Special characteristics
Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible cryogenic line

Conclusions

2 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Relevance of thermal insulation in cryogenics
Cryogenics → ∆T = TEnvironment – TFluid → great value
→ latent heat are very small
→ needed energy input for generating low temperatures is very high
(Carnot)
Example 1:
TFluid The efficiency of a 4.4 K-refrigerator is about 10% of the Carnot-
εC =
TEnvironmen t − TFluid Coefficient of Performance (COP)
⇒ ε = 0.0015

⇒ The heat load of 100 W at 4.4 K requires a power input of

about 70 kW

Example 2:
1000 litres-vessel LHe with an evaporation rate of 1%/day
→ decrease of the insulation quality of 10% (~ 30 mW)

⇒ Increase of the operating costs of ~ 1000 €/year

or additional LHe-acquisition costs of ~ 2000 €/year

3 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Overview of different insulation materials

air (1 bar) ~ 2,6 . 10

-2

powder vacuum atmospheric pressure

MLI
with small
pieces of
metal foils
micro-
sphere powder

fibreglas
foams, powders
fibres

10-6.0 10-5.0 10-4.0 10-3.0 10-2.0 10-1.0

heat conductivity λ [W/(m . K)] between ~ 300 K - 77 K

4 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation – Description
MLI is presently the most effective kind of thermal insulation
developed in the fifties by Peterson (Sweden)
first established in the sixties by space industry

MLI consists of:

reflecting layers → reduction of heat transfer due to radiation
spacer elements with low heat conductivity between the reflecting layers
high vacuum
prevention of convection
minimisation of heat conduction of residual gas

5 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation – Description

SI-materials:
reflecting layers: mostly aluminium metallized mylar films / pure aluminium foils
spacer elements: mostly net of glas fibre or foils / paper or polyester / tulle or silk

or
unit of reflector and spacer:
metallized mylar films, crinkled or embossed to reduce the contact surface between the
reflecting layers without spacer elements

attention: SI-anisotropy
⇒ delicate regarding installation (many bugs are possible)

6 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Heat transfer calculations
σ radiation
overall = Qi,i +1 = ⋅ (Ti4 − Ti4+1) ⋅ (1 − f) ⋅ A i
&
Q &
1 1
+ −1
ε Ti ε Ti+1

κ +1 α 2 ⋅R
+ ⋅ ⋅ pi ⋅ ⋅ (Ti − Ti +1) ⋅ (1 − f) ⋅ A i
κ −1 2 − α 8 ⋅ π ⋅ (Ti + Ti +1) reine
pure Wärmestrahlung
radiation
radiation and conduction
Wärmestrahlung und -leitung
pure conduction
reine Wärmeleitung
λ Ti,i+1
+ ⋅ (Ti − Ti+1) ⋅ f ⋅ C ⋅ A i 300
s 275
residual gas heat conduction 250
225
200

T [K]
solid heat conduction 175
150
125
100

5 10 15 20 25
N
7 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Heat transfer calculations

8 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Heat transfer calculations

9 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Special characteristics
influence of optimum number of layers / density of layers
contact pressure
1-3: Al layers with fibre glass paper of different thickness
4: Dracon Al-metallized with glass silk tissue
5-6: theoretical values (without solid heat conduction)
mW/(m .K)

0.15

effective heat conductivity λ

5
2 3 x
6
0.10
1 4
x

0.05
x x

0 10 20 30 40 50 1/cm 60
N/D
10 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Special characteristics
45 empirical values for different transferlines and cryostats
3

with 20 - 50 layers MLI between RT and 80 K

40 (winding technique on tubes and cylinders)
2,5
35
. .
30 q [W/m] = q [W/m2]. π.d 2
q [W/m2]

q [W/m]
25
1,5
20

15 1

10 .
q [W/m2] with 3 blankets (RT - 80 K) 0,5
5

0 0
.
0 200 400 600 800
diameter of tube [mm]

11 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Special characteristics

9
Twarm = 280 K
8
p < 2 .10 mbar
-6

only one aluminium

7 layer (LN2)

6
MLI winding technique
q [W/m2]

5
IR 300.12 MLI blanket technique
4 open / closed symbols
LHe / LN2 - experiments
3
2 b lan
2 ke ts
1 blanket
1
3 blank e
ts
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
d [mm]

12 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Special characteristics
14

qrad=f(ewall=0.1; eshield=0.03; TW =300 K; TC=77 K)

12 IHI: Jacob
IHI: FZK
IHI: Ohmori [1992]
10 Jehier: FZK, TESSI mit d=320 mm
Jehier: FZK, THISTA mit d=219 mm
8
q [W/m2]

0 10 20 30 40 50

N
13 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– interim conclusion
Superinsulation only meets this expression and expenditure if several
possibilities of errors could be avoided

Important
quasi-isothermal parting points
Avoiding of gaps → causes disproportionately high heat transfer
Avoiding of mechanical stress
→ causes exponentially increase of degradation with p
Relation between heat conduction and radiation = f(T)
MLI is especially effective at high temperatures
MLI is less effective or disadvantageous at T < 100 K

optimal layer density

vacuum conditions
perforated layers
MLI with integrated getter materials

14 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line

Requirements on a economic applicable HTS-cable

W W
1⋅ ≤ q& 300⋅K →80⋅K ≤ 2⋅
m2 m2

compact design → ∆insulation = 20 mm

W W
1⋅ 10 − 4 ⋅ ≤ λIsolation ≤ 2 ⋅ 10 − 4 ⋅
m ⋅K m ⋅K

⇒ The use of MLI is mandatory

15 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line
protective outer PE-jacket
state of the technology multilayer
insulation
spacer
vacuum

multilayer
insulation
superconducting
cabel

LHe vacuum
welded tube (130/143 mm)
welded tube returned
(60/66 mm) GHe welded tube (198/220 mm)
welded tube (100/110 mm)

& /m = 4,55 ⋅ W/m

Measurement results: Q corresponding q& = 8,52 ⋅ W/m 2
16 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line
Improvement actions

Separation of MLI and supporting structures

Solid heat conduction of the supporting structures

→ as low as possible ⇒ small contact areas and cross sections

low heat load at the disconnecting points

17 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line
New concept

supporting rings

bars

vacuum between the

welded tubes

protective outer PE-jacket

multilayer insulation

HTSC-cable welded tubes

(cooled with LN2 )

18 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line
New concept

outer welded tube

multilayer insulation
bar supporting ring

inner welded tube contact-points

with HTSC-cable

part of the welded tube

floating-support
systems

19 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line
New concept

outer welded supporting vertical connection longitudinal

tube rings of the longitudinal bars bars

}
multilayer
insulation evacuated
space

inner welded about 1.0 m about 0.1 m

tube

longitudinal cross section of the insulation of the HTSC-cable symmetry line

20 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line
Experiments

21 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line Nexans GfK-support structure spiral support structure

Experiments

2 straight without weight

Nexans: straight without weight
102 Nexans: bended without weight
8 Nexans: straight with weight
7 GfK-support structure:straight with weight
6
5
GfK-support structure: straight without weight
4
GfK-support structure: bended without weight straight with weight
spiral support structure: straight with weight (lead rod)
3 spiral support structure: straight without weight
qk [W/m ]
2

101 bended without weight

8
7
6
5
4

2
10-5 10-4 10-3 10-2 10-1 100
p [mbar]

22 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line straight without weight
Experiments boundary condition:
q& m [ W / m2 ] Nexans

3,70 100%

∆ = 14,41%
spiral support structure

3,17 85,59%

∆ = 32,70%

GfK-support structure

2,49 67,30%

23 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Multi-layer insulation (MLI) – Superinsulation
– Example: Thermal insulation development for a flexible
cryogenic line straight with weight
boundary condition: (lead rod)
Experiments
2
~ 430 N/m
q& m [ W / m ] spiral support structure

6,60 139,83%

∆ = 39,83%
Nexans

4,72 100%

∆ = 34,32%
GfK-support structure

3,10 67,30%

24 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Conclusions

For cryogenics application (T < 120 K), vacuum insulation technology is

mandatory

For LHe (4 K) – and LH2 (20 K) – applications, the use of the best kind of
insulation, so MLI, is warrantable or just enough respectively

MLI is the best kind of thermal insulation if it is used professional

improvement factors
factor ≥ 10 compared to other vacuum insulation materials
factors 30 – 100 compared to evacuated powder insulation

further improvement factors of ~ 30 are possible by the use of evaporation

enthalpy – multishield-technique

MLI can be flexible adapted very compact if the accessibility is ensured

25 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)
 Thank you
for your
attention

26 Thermal insulation | H. Neumann | March 2009

KIT – die Kooperation von Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH und Universität Karlsruhe (TH)