Optimization of Helium Refrigerators for Superconducting Power Transmission Lines in Terms of Cost and Reliability

Abstract

Helium refrigerators for superconducting power transmission lines are optimized in terms of the minimum cost required to achieve a specified level of reliability. This paper summarizes the cost and reliability of large helium refrigerator components as determined from a survey of existing refrigerators, compressor and expander studies, and an analysis of Air Products unattended standard nitrogen plants. These data are used to analyze the cost and reliability of several alternate refrigerator designs.