Backup power system for cryo-cooled elements in wind turbines

Abstract

A cooling system is provided for supplying cryogenic cooling fluid to a thermal load. The system includes a cryogenic refrigeration system, a cryogenic cooling fluid coupled to the thermal load, and a primary power supply for providing power to the cryogenic refrigeration system. A backup power supply provides power to the cryogenic refrigeration system in the event that the primary power supply is unable to provide sufficient power to the cryogenic refrigeration system.

1 . A cooling system for providing cryogenic cooling fluid to a thermal load, said system comprising:
 a cryogenic refrigeration system;   a cryogenic cooling fluid coupled to said thermal load;   a primary power supply for providing power to said cryogenic refrigeration system; and   a backup power supply for providing power to said cryogenic refrigeration system in the event that said primary power supply is unable to provide sufficient power to said cryogenic refrigeration system.   
     
     
         2 . The cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal load is, at least one of, an electrical generator and a power converter. 
     
     
         3 . The cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal load comprises a part of a wind turbine. 
     
     
         4 . The cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal load comprises at least one superconducting generator in a wind turbine. 
     
     
         5 . The cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal load comprises at least one superconducting generator in a wind turbine, and said backup power supply is located within or near said wind turbine. 
     
     
         6 . The cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal load comprises a plurality of superconducting generators in a plurality of wind turbines, said plurality of wind turbines comprising a wind farm; and said backup power supply located within or near said wind farm. 
     
     
         7 . The cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said backup power supply is chosen from at least one or combinations of, an electrical generator, a microturbine, a fuel cell, a solar panel, and a battery.