Patents

on HTS manufacturing,
on Fusion and HTS devices,
on Liquid Metals
(also available on Google Patents)

Patents on HTS manufacturing

1. Uniform coating of a surface [WO2023194233A1]

The patent discloses a machine for vapor deposition on rigid surfaces. The structure to-be-coated is placed in a vacuum-chamber featuring at least one vapor-injector. Then it is moved with respect to said injector, as it sprays the vapor. The relative motion generates a sheared laminar flow, optimal for uniform vapor deposition. Uniformity is important for high-performance of the film (in our case, superconductive performance). As an example, a cylindrical surface can be rotated with respect to one or more tangential injectors. The cylinder can be coated on the inside and/or outside. This differs from traditional deposition on a flexible tape in a reel-to-reel system.

History:
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305437.0A
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305449.5A
2023-03-31:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194233A1
Inventors: Francesco VOLPE, Mehdi KOCHAT
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a method for coating a surface (110B) of a structure (110), the method comprising steps of: - placing a structure (110) inside a chamber, at least one ejector (104) being located inside the chamber and oriented towards a surface (110B) to be coated of the structure; - enclosing the chamber; - forming a vacuum in the chamber; and then - injecting vapor through the at least one ejector (104) towards the surface, while causing a relative motion, for example rotation, between the structure and the at least one ejector.

2. Method for manufacturing superconducting coils and device [WO2023194229A1, EP4258298A1]

Patent 2 discloses a method -based on the machines disclosed in patent 1- to manufacture superconducting coils and other superconductive devices not by winding superconducting tapes or cables, but rather by depositing two stackings of layers: one in a “cold” Physical Vapor Deposition machine, the other in a “hot” Chemical Vapor Deposition machine.

History (WIPO/PCT):
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305437.0A
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305449.5A
2023-03-31:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194229A1
History (European Patent Office):
2022-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion SAS
2022-04-04:      Priority to EP22305437.0A
2023-03-31: Priority to PCT/EP2023/058468, PCT/EP2023/058479, PCT/EP2023/058472, PCT/EP2023/058476, PCT/EP2023/058474, PCT/EP2023/058483, PCT/EP2023/058480
2023-10-11:       Publication of EP4258298A1
Inventors: Mehdi KOCHAT, Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract (WIPO/PCT):
The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a superconducting coil, the method comprising steps of: - providing a structure (202); - rotating the structure; - forming a first stacking of layers on the rotating structure in a cold chamber (103); and - forming a second stacking of layers on the first stacking of the rotating structure in a hot chamber (105) at a temperature higher than the temperature in the cold chamber.
Official Abstract (European Patent Office):
The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a superconducting coil, the method comprising steps of:
- providing a structure (202);
- rotating the structure;
- forming a first stacking of layers on the rotating structure in a cold chamber (103); and
- forming a second stacking of layers on the first stacking of the rotating structure in a hot chamber (105) at a temperature higher than the temperature in the cold chamber.

Patents on Fusion and HTS devices

3. Magnetic chamber and modular coils [EP4258284A1]

The patent discloses a method to build magnetized chambers by mechanically joining “modules”. Each module hosts two or more electrical circuits or portions of circuits, obtained by engraving (a.k.a. grooving, corrugating, notching) a stack of layers, including electrically conductive one(s). Selectively removing conductive material creates insulating tracks. In the case of portions of circuits, electrical connections bridge the portion on a module with another portion on an adjacent module. An optional, additional superconducting layer, but not perforated and non-corrugated, allows to better contain the magnetic field in the chamber, by partial use of the Meissner effect. In turn, this uniformizes and maximizes the field within the chamber and minimizes the field without.

History:
2022-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion SAS
2022-04-04:      Priority to EP22305444.6A
2023-03-31:      Priority to PCT/EP2023/058468
2023-10-11:       Publication of EP4258284A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of modular coils (100a, 100b; 401) mechanically and electrically joined together, wherein each modular coil comprises a groove (110a, 110b) separating the modular coil into at least two different electrically conducting regions.

4. Modular Magnetic Confinement Device [EP4258285A1]

The patent discloses a novel, inventive application related to the general method described in patent 3 to build magnetized chambers by mechanically and electrically joining “modules” featuring grooved conductors. Specifically, this patent discloses how to build a toroidal device for the magnetic confinement of plasmas with said modular approach.

History:
2022-04-04: Application filed by Renaissance Fusion SAS
2022-04-04: Priority to EP22305446.1A
2023-03-31: Priority to PCT/EP2023/058474
2023-10-11: Publication of EP4258285A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a magnetic confinement device comprising a plurality of modules coupled to each other, wherein each module (100) is adapted to conduct current in order to form a magnetic field and has:- a first wall (110) having a connecting surface (102) adapted to engage a connecting surface of another module of the plurality of modules; and- a groove (202) separating the first wall (110) into at least two different electrically conducting regions.

5. Modular MRI Machine [EP4257999A1]

Related to patent 3, this patent discloses how to build Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) chambers for medical imaging with our modular approach. Modularity facilitates various embodiments, ranging from small MRI of limbs to large, magnetized chambers that prevent claustrophobia, can analyze multiple patients at once, and allow some movement, like walking.

History:
2022-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion SAS
2022-04-04:      Priority to EP22305447.9A
2023-03-31:      Priority to PCT/EP2023/058476
2023-10-11:       Publication of EP4257999A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine comprising an assembly of a plurality of modules (100) coupled to each other, wherein the modules have shapes and/or sizes adapted to the shape of the assembly, each module (100) is adapted to conduct current in order to form a magnetic field, and has a first structural section (106) assembled with a second structural section (102), the first structural section having a groove (202) separating the module into at least two different electrically conducting regions.

6. Frictionless transportation system and contacless braking system for such [WO2023194226A1]

The patent discloses how to build a Magnetic Levitated (MagLev) train or HyperLoop transport system with our modular approach to magnetized chambers’ construction (see patent 3), including important operational details on how to electromagnetically decelerate and brake the train, and how to embark and disembark passengers.

History:
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305437.0A
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305445.3A
2023-03-31:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194226A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an assembly for a transportation system, the assembly comprising a plurality of magnetic wall modules (100a, 100b) coupled to each other, wherein each module is adapted to conducting current in order to form a magnetic field, and has a first wall (106a, 106b) and a second wall (104a, 104b) assembled together, wherein the second wall has a groove (202a, 202b) separating said second wall into at least two different electrically conducting regions.

7. Superconducting energy storage device [WO2023194230A1]

The patent discloses Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) devices based on our corrugated, large-surface HTS. Coated plates or foils are properly corrugated (for maximum energy storage) and assembled with each other (for modularity) in a cryostat. The corrugation consists of a space-filling curve, similar to a Peano curve. The modular circuitry allows to discharge different circuits at different times, so that the total current supplied by the device can be adjusted with time according to demand.

History:
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305437.0A
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305448.7A
2023-03-3:         Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194230A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an energy storage device comprising : - at least one superconducting sheet (1) adapted to be coupled to a load in a discharge mode and/or to an energy source in a charge mode, wherein each superconducting sheet comprises a superconducting layer, and at least a groove (104) extending from a first surface (116) of said superconducting sheet into at least the superconducting layer, the pattern of the groove being a space-filling curve; and - at least one electrode (102), preferably two electrodes, for each superconducting sheet, the at least one electrode being coupled to the groove of said superconducting sheet, for example one electrode at each end of the space-filling curve pattern of the groove.

8. Superconducting undulator device [WO2023247735A1]

Undulators are special magnets deployed in particle accelerators and synchrotrons to perturb the trajectory of electrons and cause them to emit X-rays. Those X-rays are then used to study pharmaceutical molecules, new materials etc. For crisper imaging, there is a worldwide race to stronger magnetic fields, and varying over shorter wavelengths. This patent discloses constructively simple designs achieving world-record performance thanks to our corrugated, large-surface, multi-layer HTS. “Multi-layer” means that a single substrate is coated with several superconducting films closely packed with each other, intertwined by thin “buffers”. Such architecture is key to maximum field at short distance. A further increase in field strength is made possible by proper corrugation. Proper corrugations also optimize the field at the entrance and exit of the device. Finally, since the HTS parts of the device attract each other, iron pieces are added in strategic locations, which get magnetized and exert opposite forces. The resulting force-balanced design does not require massive support structures.

History:
2023-06-22: Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-12-28: Publication of WO2023247735A1
Inventors: Francesco VOLPE, Lorenzo BORTOT
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an undulator device (300) comprising: - at least a first superconducting coil structure (302); and - at least a second superconducting coil structure (304) positioned opposite the first superconducting coil structure; wherein the first and second superconducting coil structures are separated by a gap (hg) dedicated to the passage of an electron beam; wherein each superconducting coil structure includes a plurality of grooves (332, 334) through the thickness (hm) of said superconducting coil structure to separate it into a plurality of elementary coils; the grooves being configured in such a way that an electrical current flowing in the superconducting coil structure between the grooves can flow alternately in two different orientations in said superconducting coil structure.

Patents on Liquid Metals

9. Lithium hydride first wall [WO2023194373A1, EP4258286A1]

The patent discloses a novel, inventive, industrially applicable selection of materials for plasma-facing liquid walls in fusion devices. Namely, it presents a solution of lithium and lithium hydride. The hydride contains hydrogen, which decelerates fusion neutrons over shorter distances than other materials such as lithium or lithium alloys. Additionally, lead-filled pebbles can be suspended in said solution to further enhance neutron attenuation at high energies. These materials enable thinner liquid walls of easier levitation, which facilitate the full coverage of the reactor and reduce its cost.

History (WIPO/PCT):
2023-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194373A1
History (European Patent Office):
2022-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion SAS
2022-04-04:      Priority to EP22305451.1A
2023-04-04:      Priority to PCT/EP2023/058832
2023-10-11:       Publication of EP4258286A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates a first wall adapted to cover an inner wall (113) of a vessel (106), the first wall being made of a liquid metal mixture (111) comprising at least lithium and lithium hydride.

10. Isotopic separation of lithium [WO2023194368A1]

The patent discloses a method to enrich lithium in its Li6 isotope - the most efficient at breeding tritium (one of the fusion fuels). Starting from a hot solution of lithium and lithium hydride, and then cooling it, the method exploits the different precipitation temperatures of lithium hydride where lithium is Li6 or Li7. The technique requires uniform cooling and good control in time. The basic idea is similar to the refinery of petrochemical products, or to alcohol distillation, but in a liquid-to-solid transition, rather than liquid-to-gas. Like distillation, repeating the process yields higher degrees of enrichment. The method is easily generalized to lithium deuteride, tritide and other substances.

History:
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305450.3A
2022-04-04:      Priority claimed from EP22305438.8A
2023-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194368A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a method for isotopic separation of lithium, the method comprising: - providing a first mixture (104) comprising at least lithium, lithium hydride, and possibly lithium deuteride and/or lithium tritide, the first mixture being at a first temperature; - a first cooling step (110), preferably a uniform cooling, adapted to cooling the first mixture at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; the first cooling step being adapted to precipitating a first part of the lithium hydride having a first lithium isotope; - a first separation step (124) adapted to separating the precipitated first part of the lithium hydride from the first mixture, forming a second mixture (122).

11. Device and method for extraction of lithium hydrides [WO2023194366A1]

Deuterium-tritium fusion reactors will breed their own tritium in a lithium-based blanket or plasma-facing liquid wall. Tritium rapidly reacts with lithium and forms lithium tritide. This patent addresses its extraction as a pre-requisite to tritium extraction. The method assumes a solution of lithium, lithium tritide and deliberately added lithium hydride. Lithium deuteride might be present too, if the solution is directly exposed to the deuterium-tritium plasma. Starting from a hot solution and then cooling it, the method exploits the different precipitation temperatures of lithium hydride, deuteride and tritide – collectively referred to as lithium hydrides. The technique is like the refinery of petrochemical products, or alcohol distillation, but in a liquid-to-solid transition, rather than liquid-to-gas. Like distillation, repeating the process yields better separation. The method requires slow, uniform cooling. If not slow or uniform enough, one can precipitate the lithium hydride, deuteride and tritide as a lump, and then separate them from one another by some distinct technique.

History (WIPO/PCT):
2023-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion
2023-10-12:       Publication of WO2023194366A1
History (European Patent Office):
2022-04-04:      Application filed by Renaissance Fusion SAS
2022-04-04:      Priority to EP22305438.8A, PCT/EP2023/058819, PCT/EP2023/058821
2023-10-11:       Publication of EP4257227A1
Inventor: Francesco VOLPE
Official Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a method for separating lithium from a lithium mixture, the method comprising: - providing a first mixture (104) comprising lithium, lithium hydride, and at least a first compound among lithium deuteride and lithium tritide, the first mixture being at a first temperature; - a first stirring step (108) adapted to stirring the first mixture; - a first cooling step (110) adapted to cooling, preferably uniformly, the first mixture to a second temperature lower than the first temperature; the first stirring and cooling steps being adapted to deposit at least part of the first compound; and - a first separation step (116) adapted to separating at least the deposited first compound from the first mixture, forming a second mixture (118) comprising at least lithium and lithium hydride.