REBCO Tape Standing-Wave Quench Detection Before Thermal Runaway
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quench detection in high temperature superconductors like REBCO are inadequate for rapid detection before thermal runaway, suffering from drawbacks such as susceptibility to vibrations, low signal-to-noise ratio, and increased complexity in coil fabrication.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the REBCO superconducting tape architecture as a transmission line at high frequencies to form standing waves, detecting quench by monitoring disturbances in these waves using frequency analysis and electromagnetic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional quench detection methods are used in REBCO superconductors, then detection capability is provided, but detection speed is insufficient and thermal runaway occurs before detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional voltage-based detection methods with acoustic wave-based detection. By injecting acoustic waves into the superconducting tape and detecting changes in wave propagation characteristics during quench, the system achieves faster detection response without relying on slow voltage signal development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from voltage (conventional method) to acoustic wave propagation characteristics (acoustic impedance, attenuation, velocity). This parameter change enables detection of the quench front's mechanical effects on the tape structure, providing earlier and more precise detection.
2Measurement precision
If extrinsic sensors are co-wound with the tape for quench detection, then detection function is added, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the quench detection function with the existing superconducting tape structure by using the tape itself as the acoustic wave propagation medium. The detection system utilizes the tape's inherent mechanical and acoustic properties, eliminating the need for separate extrinsic sensors and reducing fabrication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The superconducting tape serves dual purposes: it conducts supercurrent and simultaneously acts as the acoustic waveguide for quench detection. The tape's own structural response to quench (changes in acoustic impedance, wave attenuation) provides the detection signal, making the system self-diagnostic without external sensing components.
3Power
If high current density is used in REBCO tapes, then power density and efficiency are improved, but susceptibility to thermal runaway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of quench initiation by monitoring acoustic wave characteristics before thermal runaway completes. By detecting changes in acoustic impedance and wave propagation at the early stage of quench, the system enables timely protective action to prevent catastrophic thermal runaway, thereby enhancing reliability while maintaining high current density operation.
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
Enables rapid quench detection with minimal coil modification, avoiding noise interference and maintaining high current density, effectively preventing thermal runaway and catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
exciting a REBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide) superconducting tape as a transmission line forming standing waves
Implementation Method 2
detecting quench by monitoring disturbances of the standing waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for quench detection in high temperature superconductors, such as REBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide), before thermal runaway. A REBCO superconducting tape is excited as a transmission line forming standing waves. A quench may then be detected in response to detecting a disturbance of the standing waves. In this manner, quench in high temperature superconductors, such as REBCO, is rapidly detected before thermal runaway.