HTS Tape Cable-in-Conduit Structure for Stress and Cross-Flow Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-field electromagnet applications require superconducting cables that can manage mechanical stress and provide efficient cooling, as existing low-temperature superconductors like NbTi, Nb3Sn, and Bi-2212 are insufficient for temperatures between 10 K and 80 K, necessitating the use of high-temperature superconductors like YBCO, REBCO, and Bi-2223 for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A structured cable design with a support structure for mechanical stress management and cross-flow cooling, featuring a laminated core with perforated center tubes and radial flow apertures, and a co-wound armor system that maintains uniform volumetric cooling and stress distribution across multiple layers, utilizing high-temperature superconducting tapes and interleaved splice joints for series current connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If low-temperature superconductors (NbTi, Nb3Sn, Bi-2212) are used, then mechanical strength and stability are maintained, but performance and energy efficiency deteriorate at temperatures between 10 K and 80 K
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from low-temperature superconductors to high-temperature superconductors (HTS tapes such as YBCO, REBCO, Bi-2223) to enable operation in the 10-80 K temperature range while maintaining superconducting performance. This material substitution allows the cable to operate at higher temperatures where HTS materials exhibit sufficient current density even in strong magnetic fields.
2Temperature
If HTS tapes are used to achieve high current density at 10-80 K, then temperature performance improves, but mechanical stress management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into multiple discrete HTS tapes (typically 4-12 tapes) arranged in a rectangular stack within a conduit. Each tape is independently supported by transverse support structures at intervals along the cable length, distributing mechanical stress across multiple segments rather than concentrating it in a single continuous conductor.
Solution Approach 2:
Transverse support structures act as intermediaries between the HTS tapes and the cable outer sheath. These supports manage mechanical stress by providing lateral support to the tapes while allowing thermal contraction, and they transfer electromagnetic forces from the tapes to the cable structure without directly loading the fragile HTS material.
3Power
If multiple HTS tapes are stacked to increase current capacity, then electrical performance improves, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to reduced fluid access
Solution Approach 1:
A coolant fluid (typically liquid nitrogen or helium) is circulated through the cable structure, with coolant channels positioned to flow along the outer perimeter of the HTS tape stack. The coolant absorbs heat from the tapes through thermal conduction via the cable structure, providing efficient cooling despite the tapes being stacked in the center where direct fluid access is limited.
4Loss of energy
If HTS tapes are used, then energy efficiency at 10-80 K improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is constructed from discrete, standardized HTS tapes that can be manufactured separately using established tape fabrication processes. These pre-fabricated tapes are then assembled into the cable structure in a controlled environment, allowing for modular manufacturing and quality control while reducing the overall complexity of HTS cable production.
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
The solution enables efficient heat transfer and stress management, ensuring the high-temperature superconducting cables operate effectively in high magnetic fields, maintaining performance and preventing quenching, while optimizing the use of expensive HTS tapes and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
provisions for mechanical support of large mechanical stress and cross-flow of cooling fluid capable of removing large amounts of heat
Implementation Method 2
tapes of high-temperature superconductors (yttrium-barium-copper oxide, YBCO, or rare-earth-barium copper oxide REBCO, or bismuthstrontium-calcium-copper oxide Bi-2223, collectively called 'HTS') which can operate at temperatures T=10 K−80 K with significant current density even in strong magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A design is presented for a structured cable suitable for carrying a large electric current in a cable-in-conduit comprising an assembly of rectangular stacks of thin superconducting tapes, with provisions for mechanical support of large mechanical stress and cross-flow of cooling fluid capable of removing large amounts of heat.