Segmented Oxide Superconductor Structure for Lower AC Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing AC loss in superconducting wires, such as the laser scribing method, face challenges in narrowing the width of non-superconducting regions and maintaining superconducting characteristics, leading to inefficiencies and mechanical issues in large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an oxide superconductor manufacturing method that involves forming a gel film using a die coating or inkjet method, followed by calcining and oxygen annealing, to create a structure with alternating superconducting and non-superconducting regions, thereby reducing AC loss while maintaining mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the superconducting wire is divided into thin wires to reduce AC loss, then the AC loss is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The superconducting wire is divided into multiple thin superconducting regions separated by non-superconducting regions. This segmentation reduces AC loss by limiting the penetration depth of magnetic flux through the superconducting material, as each thin region independently manages flux penetration. The wire structure consists of alternating superconducting and non-superconducting regions along the width direction, creating multiple flux barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-superconducting regions serve as intermediary elements between adjacent superconducting regions. These regions prevent direct magnetic coupling between superconducting areas, acting as flux barriers that reduce eddy current losses. The non-superconducting regions are integrated within the superconducting layer rather than being separate components, simplifying the overall structure.
2Quantity of substance
If the width of non-superconducting regions is reduced to maintain current capacity, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the AC loss reduction effect is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the width parameters of both superconducting and non-superconducting regions to achieve the best balance between current capacity and AC loss reduction. By carefully controlling the thickness of each layer and the width of non-superconducting regions, the design maximizes the number of flux barriers while maintaining sufficient superconducting cross-sectional area for high current carrying capacity.
3Shape
If conventional laser scribing method is used to create non-superconducting regions, then the structure is formed, but mechanical strength and superconducting characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical laser scribing process with a chemical solution method. The non-superconducting regions are formed by applying a solution containing specific metal ions (such as Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or Lu) that prevent superconducting phase formation in targeted areas. This chemical approach avoids the thermal damage and mechanical stress associated with laser processing, preserving both the mechanical integrity and superconducting properties of the wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The formation conditions are changed from high-energy laser processing to controlled chemical deposition at lower temperatures. The solution-based method allows for precise control of non-superconducting region formation without introducing thermal gradients or mechanical stresses that would compromise the superconducting layer's quality and the wire's mechanical 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 method effectively reduces AC loss by minimizing the width of non-superconducting regions and preventing the formation of a/b-axis oriented particles, thus enhancing the superconducting characteristics and mechanical stability of the wire.
Implementation Method 1
forming a gel film using a die coating or inkjet method
Implementation Method 2
forming a gel film using a die coating or inkjet method
Implementation Method 3
followed by calcining and oxygen annealing
Implementation Method 4
followed by calcining and oxygen annealing
Implementation Method 5
Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which a resistance value becomes completely zero
Data Source
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AI summary
A superconductor arrangement (100) comprises an oxide superconducting layer (30) including at least first and second superconducting regions (31) containing barium, copper, and a rare earth element, having a continuous perovskite structure and extending in a first direction, and a non-superconducting region (32) disposed between the superconducting regions, containing praseodymium, barium, copper, and a rare earth element, wherein a ratio of the number of the praseodymium atoms to a sum of the number of the rare earth element and praseodymium atoms is 20% or more, having a continuous perovskite structure continuous with the perovskite structure of the superconducting regions, and extending in the first direction. A corresponding manufacturing method using sol-gel deposition is disclosed as well.