Continuous Winding of REBCO Coated Conductor Tapes for Undulators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) undulators using REBCO coated conductor tapes is hindered by the difficulty in continuous winding due to their large aspect ratio and the need for resistive soldered bridge joints, which lead to irreversible degradation and heat dissipation issues, limiting their scalability and performance compared to Nb-based undulators.
Innovation Solution
A continuous coil winding technique utilizing a ferromagnetic core with parallel grooves and turnaround pins allows for the helical wrapping of REBCO coated conductor tapes, eliminating the need for resistive splices and maintaining the tape's mechanical and superconducting properties, enabling the fabrication of high-performance undulators with improved cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional winding techniques with resistive soldered bridge joints are used, then the winding process can be completed, but the critical current density degrades and heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the resistive soldered bridge joints from the winding structure entirely. By using a continuous REBCO tape that wraps around the ferromagnetic core and returns through adjacent grooves, the design eliminates the need for intermediate connections, thereby extracting the harmful resistive elements from the system and preventing both current density degradation and heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the forward and return current paths into a single continuous tape structure. The REBCO tape carries current in one direction through a groove, then returns through an adjacent groove without interruption, combining what would traditionally be separate wound sections into one continuous superconducting path that maintains uniform current density and eliminates joint resistance.
2Reliability
If REBCO coated conductor tapes are used, then high-temperature superconducting performance is achieved, but continuous winding is difficult due to large aspect ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional coiled windings to a two-dimensional planar winding approach. The REBCO tape is laid flat against the ferromagnetic core surface, wrapping around the core and returning through adjacent grooves in a planar configuration. This dimensional change accommodates the large aspect ratio of the tape by utilizing the core's surface area rather than attempting to form tight three-dimensional coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic core with grooves serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the winding of REBCO tapes. The grooves provide defined paths that guide the tape, preventing lateral displacement and ensuring proper positioning during the winding process, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining superconducting performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If NbTi superconducting wires are used, then easy winding is achieved, but high-field critical current density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the superconducting material parameter from NbTi to REBCO, which has a higher critical temperature and superior high-field critical current density characteristics. By using REBCO coated conductor tapes instead of NbTi wires, the system achieves enhanced superconducting performance in high magnetic fields while the groove-based winding structure maintains manufacturing ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the creation of undulators with enhanced critical current density and reduced heat dissipation, maintaining the superior properties of REBCO materials while avoiding the limitations of traditional winding techniques, thus facilitating the next generation of high-field, high-uniformity undulators.
Implementation Method 1
high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Rare-Earth (RE) Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) coated conductor tapes
Implementation Method 2
Undulators establish a spatially periodic pattern of magnetic fields along the trajectory of relativistic electrons
Implementation Method 3
ferromagnetic core having a plurality of parallel groves
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous winding method produces a continuously wound electrical device, such an undulator. A continuous tape is wound about a series of turn around pins and in grooves in a magnetic core. A plurality of winding stacks are created, each transitioning to the next sequential stack by a transition tape portion extending from one turn around pin to the next turn around pin, which is position opposite with regard to the location of the pin on the magnetic core.