HTS-LTS Joint with Extended Connecting Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnet coil systems with high temperature superconducting (HTS) and low temperature superconducting (LTS) materials face challenges in achieving a low ohmic resistance at joints, leading to disruptive drift during persistent mode operation.
Innovation Solution
A magnet coil system with a connecting section of at least 0.5 m length where the HTS tape conductor and LTS wire are electrically connected in parallel, using metallic layers or solder for a quasi-superconducting connection, allowing for a small ohmic resistance and minimal drift during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a joint is created between HTS tape conductor and LTS wire to enable current transfer, then electrical connection between different superconductor types is achieved, but ohmic resistance at the joint increases leading to disruptive drift during persistent mode operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a point-like or short-segment joint to an extended one-dimensional connecting section. By extending the connection length to at least 0.5 m, the current transfer is distributed over a substantial length rather than concentrated at a single interface, thereby reducing the effective ohmic resistance and minimizing drift during persistent mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting section is divided into multiple overlapping segments where HTS tape conductor and LTS wire are arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows the current to be distributed across multiple contact points along the length, reducing the resistance at any single interface while maintaining overall superconducting performance.
2Reliability
If the connecting section length is increased to reduce ohmic resistance, then drift during persistent mode operation is minimized, but the space required and complexity of the magnet coil system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between HTS and LTS conductors, acts as a current distributor to reduce ohmic resistance, and functions as a transition zone for magnetic field management. This multi-functionality justifies the extended length without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameter of connection length from a short segment to an extended section of at least 0.5 m. This parameter change fundamentally alters the electrical characteristics, transforming the joint from a high-resistance interface to a low-resistance distributed connection, thereby minimizing drift while managing complexity through standardized design.
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 results in a magnet coil system with a negligible ohmic resistance, enabling stable persistent mode operation and easy compensation of any drift, optimizing current carrying capacity and reducing magnetic field effects on the joint.
Implementation Method 1
a first end section of the HTSL tape conductor located ahead of a first end of the HTSL tape conductor and a first end section of the LTS wire located ahead of a first end of the LTS wire are connected electrically in a connecting section
Implementation Method 2
using metallic layers or solder for a quasi-superconducting connection
Implementation Method 3
Superconductors are able to carry electrical currents essentially without ohmic losses
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet coil system (1) has a first end section (19a) of an HTSL-tape conductor (4) located ahead of a first end (19) of an HTSL-tape conductor (4) and a first end section (20a) of an LTS wire (7) located prior to a first end (20) of the LTS wire (7) which are connected electrically but not in a superconducting way in a connecting section (17) along the length of the connecting section. The LTS wire (7) has a flat shape at least within the connecting section (17) and one side of the flat LTS wire (7) abutting the HTSL-tape conductor (4) and the connecting section (17) has a length of at least 5 m. The magnet coil system has an acceptably small residual ohmic resistance which is achieved by simple means.