Fluid transfer device and method for conveying fluid to a rotating member

Abstract

A fluid transfer device and a method for conveying a fluid from a fluid transfer device to a rotating member are provided. The fluid transfer device includes a housing disposed around a first rotating member extending along an axis. The housing has a first plurality of apertures extending therethrough that communicate with the fluid source. The first rotating member has a second plurality of passageways extending from a first exterior surface of the first rotating member to a third passageway extending generally axially within the first rotating member. Further, at least a portion of the second plurality of passageways communicate with at least a portion of the first plurality of apertures, wherein the fluid flows through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of passageways to the third passageway in the first rotating member.

1 . A method for conveying a fluid from a fluid source to a rotating member, comprising:
 supplying the fluid from the fluid source to a housing disposed around a first rotating member; and   routing the fluid through a plurality of apertures extending through a housing to a first plurality of passageways extending through the first rotating member to a second passageway extending generally axially in the first rotating member.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising routing the fluid from the second passageway to a superconductive coil for cooling the coil to a temperature less than or equal to a predetermined temperature. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises a coolant fluid. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the coolant fluid comprises at least one of a helium fluid, a neon fluid, a hydrogen fluid, and a nitrogen fluid. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of supplying the fluid comprises pumping the fluid from the fluid source at a predetermined pressure to the housing.