Patents by Inventor Erik Marzahn

Erik Marzahn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230411045
    Abstract: A 3-phase superconducting cable system (100) has four 1-phase superconducting cables (A, B, C, D). Interrupting switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) are arranged at respective first and second ends of a first (A), second (B) and third (C) of the 1-phase superconducting cables, and first connecting switches (S7, S9, S11) and second connecting switches (S8, S10, S12) are connected at a first and a second end, respectively, of the fourth (D) 1-phase superconducting cable. The interrupting switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) and the first (S7, S9, S11) and second (S8, S10, S12) connecting switches are operable to selectively disconnect one of the first (A), second (B) and third (C) one of the 1-phase superconducting cables from their respective current phase (L1, L2, L3) and to connect the fourth (D) 1-phase superconducting cable to the previously disconnected current phase (L1, L2, L3), effectively replacing the disconnected 1-phase superconducting cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Erik MARZAHN, Beate WEST, Arnaud ALLAIS, Nicolas LALLOUET
  • Patent number: 10453591
    Abstract: An end closure for a superconductive electric cable which has at least one superconductive conductor which is surrounded by a tubular cryostat serving for conducting a cooling agent, which at its end is surrounded by a housing. The housing (G) has two walls (7, 8) which are separated from each other by an intermediate space (9) and having insulating material, wherein a thermal insulation containing gas is placed in the intermediate space. The pressure in the intermediate space (9) of the housing (G) is adjusted to a value of between 10?9 mbar and 1000 mbar and, connected to the intermediate space (9) are a pressure measuring device (12) and a vacuum pump (11) which serve for adjusting the pressure prevailing in the intermediate space (9) of the housing (G).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Mark Stemmle
  • Patent number: 10062479
    Abstract: A method for constructing a superconductive cable system is proposed. Using this method, at least one superconductive cable (2) is mounted in a tubular cryostat (3) serving for guiding a cooling agent by means of which the cryostat (3) equipped with the cable (2) and wherein the cable (2) and the cryostat (3) are transported to the placement location and both ends are connected to units. The cable (2) is mounted in a cryostat (3) which at both axial ends (3b, 3c) protrudes beyond the cable (2). The unit of cable (2) and cryostat (3) is transported to the placement location. The ends (3b, 3c) protruding beyond the cable (2) are cut to a predetermined length. The superconductive cable (2) and the cryostat (3) are subsequently connected to the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Patent number: 9806511
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a superconductive cable equipped with means for compensating length changes caused by temperature changes which occur when the cable is cooled from room temperature to work temperature and vice-versa. A superconductive cable (SK) with a tubular, central carrier (1) is used which is surrounded by at least one superconductive conductor. Arranged in the carrier (1) is at least one tension-proof strand (2) arranged over the entire length of the carrier (1). Cable (SK) is initially wound, including strand (2), at room temperature onto a coil (SP). Subsequently, the strand (2) is immovably fastened to the two ends of the cable (SK) and the cable (SK) is subsequently wound off the coil (SP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Mark Stemmle
  • Patent number: 9735562
    Abstract: A termination unit (1) for a superconducting cable (3), has an internal electrically insulating envelope (2) containing the phase conductors (3A, 3B, 3C) of the cable (3) in a cryogenic fluid. The internal envelope (2) has, for each phase conductor (3A, 3B, 3C), one first electrical connector (6A, 6B, 6C) connected to the corresponding phase conductor (3A, 3B, 3C) and protruding from the internal envelope (2). The termination unit (1) further has an electrically conductive, grounded casing (7) surrounding the internal envelope (2) and the first electrical connectors (6A, 6B, 6C), the grounded casing (7) comprising one bushing (8A, 8B, 8C) for each one of the first electrical connectors (6A, 6B, 6C), each bushing (8A, 8B, 8C) being connected to one of the first electrical connectors (6A, 6B, 6C) by a second electrical connector (9A, 9B, 9C) and being adapted to transmit voltage and current from its associated phase conductor (3A, 3B, 3C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Nicolas Lallouet, Sebastien Delplace, Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Patent number: 9685260
    Abstract: A method of cooling at least one superconductive cable is disclosed which is arranged in a cryostat having at least one thermally insulated pipe with a free space surrounded by the pipe, wherein the cable and at least one tubular structure are arranged in the free space, and wherein a cooling agent is conducted through the free space from a feeding point located at one end to a distal end. The cooling agent is conducted through the cryostat and the tubular structure exclusively in one direction of the cable until it reaches its temperature of operation and is discharged to the outside at the distal end. After reaching the temperature of operation, the cooling agent is returned from the distal end of the arrangement through the tubular structure to the feeding point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Mark Stemmle, Beate West
  • Publication number: 20160261103
    Abstract: A termination unit (1) for a superconducting cable (3), has an internal electrically insulating envelope (2) containing the phase conductors (3A, 3B, 3C) of the cable (3) in a cryogenic fluid. The internal envelope (2) has, for each phase conductor (3A, 3B, 3C), one first electrical connector (6A, 6B, 6C) connected to the corresponding phase conductor (3A, 3B, 3C) and protruding from the internal envelope (2). The termination unit (1) further has an electrically conductive, grounded casing (7) surrounding the internal envelope (2) and the first electrical connectors (6A, 6B, 6C), the grounded casing (7) comprising one bushing (8A, 8B, 8C) for each one of the first electrical connectors (6A, 6B, 6C), each bushing (8A, 8B, 8C) being connected to one of the first electrical connectors (6A, 6B, 6C) by a second electrical connector (9A, 9B, 9C) and being adapted to transmit voltage and current from its associated phase conductor (3A, 3B, 3C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Nicolas Lallouet, Sebastien Delplace, Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Publication number: 20160071631
    Abstract: An end closure for a superconductive electric cable which has at least one superconductive conductor which is surrounded by a tubular cryostat serving for conducting a cooling agent, which at its end is surrounded by a housing. The housing (G) has two walls (7, 8) which are separated from each other by an intermediate space (9) and having insulating material, wherein a thermal insulation containing gas is placed in the intermediate space. The pressure in the intermediate space (9) of the housing (G) is adjusted to a value of between 10?9 mbar and 1000 mbar and, connected to the intermediate space (9) are a pressure measuring device (12) and a vacuum pump (11) which serve for adjusting the pressure prevailing in the intermediate space (9) of the housing (G).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Mark Stemmle
  • Publication number: 20150371739
    Abstract: A method for constructing a superconductive cable system is proposed. Using this method, at least one superconductive cable (2) is mounted in a tubular cryostat (3) serving for guiding a cooling agent by means of which the cryostat (3) equipped with the cable (2) and wherein the cable (2) and the cryostat (3) are transported to the placement location and both. ends are connected to units. The cable (2) is mounted in a cryostat (3) which at both axial ends (3b, 3c) protrudes beyond the cryostat (3). The unit of cable and cryostat (3) is transported to the placement location. The ends (3b, 3c) protruding beyond the cable (2) are cut to a predetermined length. The superconductive cable (2) and the cryostat (3) are subsequently connected to the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Patent number: 9123459
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided at least one superconductive cable (4) and a first cryostat (K1). A second cryostat (K2) is provided, formed coaxially with and at a distance from the first cryostat (K1). Arranged in the intermediate space (12) between the first cryostat (K1) and the second cryostat (K2) is a high voltage resistant insulation (16) which completely surrounds the outer pipe (10) of the first cryostat (K1), and which rests on the latter, where liquefied gas conducted during the operation of the arrangement flows through the intermediate space (12) around the insulation and impregnates the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Christian Eric Bruzek
  • Patent number: 8954126
    Abstract: A superconductive electrical direct current cable with at least two conductors insulated relative to each other is indicated, where the cable is placed with at least two conductors insulated relative to each other, where the conductors are arranged in a cryostat suitable for guidance of the cooling agent, wherein the cryostat is composed of at least one metal pipe which is surrounded by a circumferentially closed layer with thermally insulating properties. In the cryostat is arranged a strand-shaped carrier composed of insulating material, where the carrier has at least two diametrically oppositely located outwardly open grooves in each of which is arranged one of the conductors. Each conductor is composed of a plurality of superconductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Publication number: 20140371077
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a superconductive cable equipped with means for compensating length. changes caused by temperature changes which occur when the cable is cooled from room temperature to work temperature and vice-versa. A superconductive cable (SK) with a tubular, central carrier (1) is used which is surrounded by at least one superconductive conductor. Arranged in the carrier (1) is at least one tension-proof strand (2) arranged over the entire length of the carrier (1). Cable (SK) is initially wound, including strand (2), at room temperature onto a coil (SP). Subsequently, the strand (2) is immovably fastened to the two ends of the cable (SK) and the cable (SK) is subsequently wound off the coil (SP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Mark Stemmle
  • Patent number: 8897845
    Abstract: An arrangement for electrically conductively connecting two electrical units by means of a bipolar high voltage direct current transmission, in which between the units are arranged at least two electrical direct current cables constructed as superconductive cables. The superconductive cables are mounted separately from each other in a cryostat (1,2) suitable for conducting a cooling agent which has at least one metal pipe provided with a thermal insulation. The cryostats (1,2) are connected with at least one of their ends to a cooling plant (7) supplying the cooling agent and a pipeline (3) is placed parallel to the two cryostats (1,2). The pipeline (3) is connected at both its ends to the two cryostats (1,2) through valves (15,16,17) which are closed during uninterrupted operation and, in the case of an interruption at one of the superconductive cables, the pipeline (3) serves with the then open valves for conducting the cooling agent intended for the cryostat of the impaired cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Publication number: 20140235449
    Abstract: A method of cooling at least one superconductive cable is disclosed which is arranged in a cryostat having at least one thermally insulated pipe with a free space surrounded by the pipe, wherein the cable and at least one tubular structure are arranged in the free space, and wherein a cooling agent is conducted through the free space from a feeding point located at one end to a distal end. The cooling agent is conducted through the cryostat and the tubular structure exclusively in one direction of the cable until it reaches its temperature of operation and is discharged to the outside at the distal end. After reaching the temperature of operation, the cooling agent is returned from the distal end of the arrangement through the tubular structure to the feeding point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Mark Stemmle, Beate West
  • Patent number: 8798697
    Abstract: An arrangement with a superconductive electrical direct current cable system is specified which includes at least one direct current transmission element (4) composed of two phase conductors which are insulated relative to each other, and a cryostat suitable for conducting a cooling agent, in which the direct current cable system is arranged. The cryostat is composed of at least one metal pipe which is surrounded by a circumferentially closed layer with thermally insulating properties. Each of the two phase conductors (5,6) is composed of several superconductive elements (9) which are combined into a unit. Between the two phase conductors (5,6) is mounted a separating layer (7) of insulating material, and the two phase conductors (5,6), including the separating layer (7) are surrounded by a sheath (8) of insulating material for forming a direct current transmission element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Publication number: 20140162883
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided at least one superconductive cable (4) and a first cryostat (K1). A second cryostat (K2) is provided, formed coaxially with and at a distance from the first cryostat (K1). Arranged in the intermediate space (12) between the first cryostat (K1) and the second cryostat (K2) is a high voltage resistant insulation (16) which completely surrounds the outer pipe (10) of the first cryostat (K1), and which rests on the latter, where liquefied gas conducted during the operation of the arrangement flows through the intermediate space (12) around the insulation and impregnates the insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Erik Marzahn, Christian Eric Bruzek
  • Publication number: 20130298573
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a cryostat for the compensation of thermal contraction, particularly of a cryostat, which contains along its inner volume a cable core with a superconductor, which particularly preferred is secured stationary to the ends of the cryostat, wherein the cryostat has in a section an arc-shape configuration and is movably guided essentially exclusively perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: NEXANS
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Patent number: 8583202
    Abstract: A method of managing thermal contraction of a superconductor cable (2) having a cable body surrounded by an external screen (2A) made form wound metal elements and installed between its ends in an enclosure (1) or cryostat filled with a cryogenic liquid, where the method includes mechanically applying a locking force loading only said screen (2A) at a so-called locking point (5A, 5B) in the vicinity of the ends of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Nicolas Lallouet, Sébastien Delplace, Erik Marzahn
  • Publication number: 20130190183
    Abstract: An arrangement with a superconductive electrical direct current cable system is specified which includes at least one direct current transmission element (4) composed of two phase conductors which are insulated relative to each other, and a cryostat suitable for conducting a cooling agent, in which the direct current cable system is arranged. The cryostat is composed of at least one metal pipe which is surrounded by a circumferentially closed layer with thermally insulating properties. Each of the two phase conductors (5, 6) is composed of several superconductive elements (9) which are combined into a unit. Between the two phase conductors (5, 6) is mounted a separating layer (7) of insulating material, and the two phase conductors (5, 6), including the separating layer (7) are surrounded by a sheath (8) of insulating material for forming a direct current transmission element (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn
  • Publication number: 20120295792
    Abstract: An arrangement for electrically conductively connecting two electrical units by means of a bipolar high voltage direct current transmission, in which between the units are arranged at least two electrical direct current cables constructed as superconductive cables. The superconductive cables are mounted separately from each other in a cryostat (1,2) suitable for conducting a cooling agent which has at least one metal pipe provided with a thermal insulation. The cryostats (1,2) are connected with at least one of their ends to a cooling plant (7) supplying the cooling agent and a pipeline (3) is placed parallel to the two cryostats (1,2). The pipeline (3) is connected at both its ends to the two cryostats (1,2) through valves (15,16,17) which are closed during uninterrupted operation and, in the case of an interruption at one of the superconductive cables, the pipeline (3) serves with the then open valves for conducting the cooling agent intended for the cryostat of the impaired cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Stemmle, Erik Marzahn