Persistent Current Switch Heater Layout for Lower Power Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Persistent current switches require lower power consumption to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A persistent current switch comprising a superconducting wire with a substrate, a superconducting layer, a protective layer, and an insulating member, where the heater is disposed only on the opposite side of the superconducting layer, reducing heat dissipation to the substrate and preventing current flow into the superconducting layer, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heater is disposed on both sides of the superconducting layer, then heating efficiency is improved, but heat dissipation to the substrate increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heater from one side of the superconducting layer, disposing it only on the second principal surface side. This extraction eliminates the source of heat dissipation to the substrate while maintaining the heating function on the superconducting layer, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the heater specifically on the second principal surface side of the superconducting layer rather than uniformly on both sides. This localized placement optimizes heat application to where it is needed (the superconducting layer) while avoiding unnecessary heat dissipation to the substrate, resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If the heater is disposed close to the superconducting layer, then heating efficiency is improved, but current may flow from the heater into the superconducting layer causing burnout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating member as an intermediary between the heater and the superconducting layer. This insulating member allows the heater to be disposed close to the superconducting layer for efficient heating while preventing direct electrical contact, thereby eliminating the burnout risk while maintaining heating efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heater is disposed on the substrate side of the superconducting layer, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat dissipation to the substrate increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by disposing the heater on the opposite side (second principal surface side) of the superconducting layer rather than on the substrate side. This inversion maintains manufacturing feasibility while eliminating the fundamental problem of heat dissipation to the substrate, thereby reducing power consumption.
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 design allows for a persistent current switch and superconducting device to operate with lower power consumption, achieving higher off-resistance and reduced burnout risk, while simplifying cooling and operation in high magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (21), wherein the heater (21) is disposed only on a second principal surface side with respect to the superconducting layer (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A persistent current switch includes a superconducting wire, a heater, and an insulating member. The superconducting wire includes a substrate and a superconducting layer provided on the substrate. The superconducting layer includes a first principal surface facing the substrate and a second principal surface on an opposite side of the first principal surface. The heater is disposed only on the second principal surface side with respect to the superconducting layer. The insulating member is provided between the second principal surface of the superconducting layer and the heater.