HTS Lead Current Distribution via Parallel Superconductor Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High temperature superconducting leads face challenges in maintaining uniform current distribution due to varying contact resistances, leading to reduced current capacity and potential damage from heat generation at the high temperature end, where the current capacity of superconductors decreases, and existing solutions fail to address these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple superconductors in parallel with controlled resistances at the copper terminals, achieved through slits, compressed joints, and soldered resistive elements, ensures even current distribution by making each superconductor carry equivalent current, thereby maximizing the total lead current capacity and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple superconductors are used in parallel to increase current capacity, then the total current capacity increases, but non-uniform current distribution occurs due to varying contact resistances, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resistive elements at specific locations (contact points between copper terminals and superconductors) to locally adjust current distribution. By placing resistors with specific resistance values at different contact points, the system achieves uniform current distribution across parallel superconductors despite variations in contact resistance, thereby maintaining reliability while utilizing multiple superconductors for increased current capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the resistance values of the resistive elements are determined based on the actual contact resistances measured at each superconductor contact point. This feedback approach allows the system to dynamically compensate for manufacturing variations and aging effects, ensuring uniform current distribution and preventing any single superconductor from being overloaded
2Ease of manufacture
If contact resistance variations are not controlled, then manufacturing is simpler, but non-uniform current distribution causes increased AC loss and potential cable damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resistive elements as intermediary components between the copper terminals and superconductors. These resistors act as mediators that compensate for contact resistance variations, ensuring uniform current distribution. While this adds a component, it prevents the harmful effect of non-uniform current distribution and associated heat generation, ultimately improving system reliability
3Ease of operation
If superconductors operate at higher temperatures to reduce cooling requirements, then operational simplicity increases, but current capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple superconductors in parallel configuration to achieve the required total current capacity. By using multiple smaller superconductors instead of a single large one, the system can operate at higher temperatures with reduced cooling requirements while maintaining the necessary current capacity through the combined output of all parallel superconductors
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 approach enhances the stability and reliability of high temperature superconducting leads by ensuring uniform current distribution across parallel superconductors, increasing the total current capacity and preventing damage from heat generation, while minimizing the number of components for cost-effectiveness and simplified assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The superconductor, which has no ohmic resistance and low thermal conductivity, is developed to have an appropriate material for the current lead
Implementation Method 2
each said superconductor has a current distribution controlled by resistance between the electrical connector and each of said first end and said second end of the superconductor
Implementation Method 3
multiple superconductors in parallel with controlled resistances at the copper terminals, achieved through slits, compressed joints, and soldered resistive elements, ensures even current distribution by making each superconductor carry equivalent current
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the invention, a superconductor lead is configured to have less ohmic heating by its own current and less heat conduction from room temperature to cryogenic temperature, where a cryogenic apparatus is located. The superconducting lead with no ohmic resistance and low thermal conductivity disclosed herein maximizes current capacity by placing superconductors in parallel, each having equal current. Thus, the resistances are controlled to provide uniform current distribution through each superconductor of the high temperature superconducting (HTS) lead.