Multi-Core Superconducting Cable for Lightweight High-Current Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting cables have a complex coaxial structure that increases weight, making it challenging to achieve a lightweight and compact design for electric propulsion systems, particularly in aircraft applications.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting cable with a multi-core structure comprising a thermal insulation pipe and stacked tape-shaped superconducting coated conductors, insulated by resin, which simplifies the configuration and reduces weight while maintaining high current-carrying capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a coaxial structure is used for the cable core, then high current transmission capability is achieved, but the overall configuration becomes complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable core is divided into multiple independent superconducting stacked conductors arranged in a multi-core configuration. Each conductor consists of stacked tape-shaped superconducting coated conductors, allowing the system to achieve high current transmission capability through parallel conduction paths while simplifying the overall structure compared to a single complex coaxial core
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single coaxial core structure to a multi-core arrangement where multiple conductors are distributed within the thermal insulation pipe. This spatial redistribution in multiple dimensions allows for simplified individual conductor designs while collectively achieving the required power transmission capability
2Power
If a coaxial structure is used for the cable core, then high current transmission capability is achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable core is divided into multiple independent superconducting stacked conductors arranged in a multi-core configuration. Each conductor consists of stacked tape-shaped superconducting coated conductors, allowing the system to achieve high current transmission capability through parallel conduction paths while simplifying the overall structure compared to a single complex coaxial core
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tape-shaped superconducting coated conductors stacked to form each conductor. This thin-film approach reduces material usage and weight compared to traditional bulk superconducting materials, while maintaining the required current transmission capability through the stacked configuration
3Device complexity
If resin insulation is used between superconducting stacked conductors, then weight is reduced and structure is simplified, but insulation performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resin materials as insulation between superconducting stacked conductors, creating a composite structure that combines the electrical insulation properties of resin with the superconducting properties of the coated conductors. This composite approach achieves both weight reduction and maintained insulation performance
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 cable achieves a significant weight reduction, allowing for a lightweight and compact electric propulsion system with improved flexibility and bendability, while ensuring high current transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
superconducting cables that use superconducting coated conductors as conductors at cryogenic temperatures, allowing high current transmission with low loss
Implementation Method 2
a thermal insulation pipe having an internal space for circulating a coolant during use
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a superconducting cable and an electric propulsion system equipped with the superconducting cable, said cable capable of achieving simplified overall configuration and weight reduction while ensuring high current carrying performance. The superconducting cable comprises: a heat insulating pipe having an internal space for circulating a refrigerant during use; and a plurality of superconducting laminated conductors that are arranged in a multi-core structure within the internal space and are insulated from one another, and that are each a laminated body formed by stacking a plurality of tape-shaped superconducting wires. The heat insulating pipe is made of a resin.