Force Magnetometer for Reel-to-Reel Superconducting Tape Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are unable to effectively characterize the critical current of superconducting tapes at low temperatures, particularly below 65 K, due to difficulties in delivering high currents required for measurement, which is crucial for applications like nuclear fusion reactors and medical devices using REBCO conductors.
Innovation Solution
A contactless apparatus utilizing a cryostat with a magnet or electromagnet and pulleys to induce screening currents in the superconducting tape, measuring tension to determine critical current, allowing for characterization at low temperatures without the need for high current injection, using force magnetometry and pulley configurations for various tape orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high current is delivered to the superconducting tape for measurement, then critical current characterization is enabled, but the complexity and difficulty of the measurement system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement system (current injection and voltage measurement) with a mechanical measurement system. Instead of delivering high current and measuring voltage, the system uses a magnet to apply magnetic force to the superconducting tape and measures the mechanical tension required to counteract this force. This substitution eliminates the need for high current delivery while achieving critical current characterization through force measurement.
2Measurement precision
If voltage taps and electric contacts are used for measurement, then electrical parameters can be measured, but the superconducting tape may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for voltage taps and electric contacts by substituting electrical measurement with mechanical force measurement. The magnet applies force to the tape and the tension measuring device records the force required to maintain equilibrium, completely avoiding contact with the superconducting tape and preventing any potential damage from electrical connections.
3Productivity
If reel-to-reel configuration is used, then continuous tape assessment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a magnet that can operate in multiple modes (electromagnet or permanent magnet) and a tension measuring device that functions within the reel-to-reel configuration. The system is designed to handle continuous tape movement while maintaining measurement capability, allowing the same basic components to serve both the continuous assessment function and the measurement function without requiring entirely separate systems.
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
Enables precise characterization of critical current along the length of superconducting tapes at low temperatures, improving the quality assurance of REBCO tapes and preventing quenching, while avoiding damage from voltage taps and electric contacts, thus optimizing device performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet or electromagnet is provided in the low temperature region of the cryostat proximate to the moving superconducting tape. The magnet induces screening currents in the superconducting tape which gives rise to a force that, according to Lenz rule, is opposite to the moving direction of the tape.
Implementation Method 2
The magnet induces screening currents in the superconducting tape which gives rise to a force that, according to Lenz rule, is opposite to the moving direction of the tape.
Implementation Method 3
A low temperature region of a cryostat is provided. A superconducting tape is moved through the low temperature region of the cryostat.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for reel-to-reel assessment of superconducting tapes (for example, REBCO CC tape) at low temperatures (for example, less than or equal to 65K). For example, the apparatus may be a force magnetometer. The apparatus may include one or more reels and pulleys used to move the superconducting tape into and out of a cryostat. The apparatus may also include a permanent magnet or electromagnet provided at a low temperature proximate to the tape. The magnet induces screening currents in the tape. The apparatus may also include an electric motor used to drive movement of the tape relative to the magnet. A tension meter may be provided to measure a tension of the tape. Alternatively, a current provided to the motor may also be measured. The apparatus may be used to measure the critical current at various positions on the superconducting tape at the low temperatures.