HTS Tape Loop Magnets Without Splices for Stable Trapped Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technologies face limitations in manufacturing, particularly in creating persistent splices or joints, which restrict the size and efficiency of HTS magnets, leading to reduced performance in applications like NMR, MRI, and motor/generators due to finite resistance and magnetic field decay.
Innovation Solution
The development of superconductor tape arrangements with slits forming loops, allowing for trapped magnetic fields without splices, achieved through methods like field freezing and flux pumping, enabling the creation of efficient, large-scale HTS magnets by eliminating the need for current leads and reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If splices or joints are used in HTS magnets, then the magnet can be constructed with limited length HTS materials, but the magnet experiences finite resistance and magnetic field decay
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is divided into multiple segments or modules that can be assembled together. Each segment contains HTS tapes arranged in a specific configuration with slits that allow current to flow in a closed loop path, eliminating the need for splices between segments while maintaining overall magnet functionality and size.
2Reliability
If HTS tapes are used without splices, then magnetic field stability is improved, but the maximum size of the magnet is limited by manufacturing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is divided into multiple segments or modules that can be assembled together. Each segment contains HTS tapes arranged in a specific configuration with slits that allow current to flow in a closed loop path, eliminating the need for splices between segments while maintaining overall magnet functionality and size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple HTS tapes are nested or stacked within each segment, with each tape contributing to the overall magnetic field. The tapes are arranged concentrically or in layered configurations, allowing the magnet to achieve larger effective size through nested structures rather than requiring longer individual tapes.
3Ease of operation
If current leads are used to drive HTS magnets, then the magnets can be operated, but energy loss increases due to resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The current leads and external power supply connections are extracted or eliminated from the magnet design. Instead of requiring continuous current input through leads, the magnet uses self-contained closed-loop current paths within the HTS tape structure, allowing the magnet to operate autonomously without energy-dissipating current leads.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet structure provides its own current circulation path through the closed-loop configuration of HTS tapes. The system is self-sufficient, maintaining persistent currents without external intervention, eliminating the need for current leads and associated energy losses.
4Force
If a large number of small monoliths are used, then the desired magnetic field can be achieved, but material usage increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple HTS tapes are merged or combined within each segment to achieve the desired magnetic field strength. Rather than using many separate small monoliths, the tapes are stacked or nested together in a coordinated arrangement, reducing the total quantity of superconductor material needed while maintaining the required field strength.
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 size and performance of HTS magnets by maintaining trapped magnetic fields for extended periods, reducing material usage and costs, and improving the efficiency of applications such as NMR, MRI, and motor/generators.
Implementation Method 1
a trapped magnetic field in the superconductor tape
Implementation Method 2
flux pumping, the sample is cold and is temporarily driven to a critical state during which the magnetic flux can penetrate through the material
Data Source
AI summary
Permanent magnets using high temperature superconductor tapes are disclosed. For example, a magnet may include a superconductor tape having two ends, a slit in the superconductor tape between the two ends that forms two legs, a separation between the legs that forms a loop, and a trapped magnetic field in the superconductor tape.