REBCO Superconductor Wire Neutral-Plane Layout for Tight Bending
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) materials, such as Bi-2212 and REBCO, face challenges in achieving high engineering current density and mechanical strength, especially when bent to small radii, limiting their application in high magnetic fields and complex geometries required for advanced magnetic systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of superconductor wires comprising superconductor tape strands with a modified REBCO composition and a stabilizer layer architecture, where the superconductor film is positioned near the neutral plane, allowing for higher critical current and engineering current density, and improved mechanical stability, even at tight bend radii.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If REBCO tapes are used to achieve high critical current and engineering current density, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the ability to achieve tight bend radii deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The REBCO conductor is divided into multiple independent strands (e.g., 19 strands) that are individually flexible. Each strand can bend independently, allowing the overall cable to achieve tight bend radii while maintaining the high critical current density of REBCO material. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the conductor to flex without compromising the integrity or performance of the superconducting material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining REBCO superconducting tapes with a flexible substrate (e.g., Hastelloy) and stabilization layers. This composite architecture provides both the high current density of REBCO and the mechanical flexibility needed for tight bends. The substrate and stabilization layers accommodate bending stresses while the REBCO layers maintain their superconducting properties.
2Strength
If Bi-2212 wire is used to achieve ductility and wire form, then the mechanical flexibility is improved, but the engineering current density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite structure where flexible substrate and stabilization layers provide the mechanical flexibility previously associated with Bi-2212, while REBCO tapes provide the high engineering current density. This composite approach allows the conductor to be drawn into wire form with tight bend radii while achieving Je > 1000 A/cm², resolving the contradiction between mechanical flexibility and current density.
3Ease of manufacture
If LTS material is used to achieve ductility and ease of shaping, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the operating temperature and magnetic field capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite architecture where the REBCO superconducting layers provide high-temperature and high-field capabilities (operating at 77K in magnetic fields), while the metallic substrate and stabilization layers provide the ductility and ease of shaping characteristic of LTS materials. This allows the conductor to be manufactured using familiar wire-drawing techniques while achieving HTS 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 solution achieves unprecedented engineering current densities of up to 2700 A/mm² and high critical current retention (>95%) at 4.2 K and 20 T, with a bend radius of 15 mm, enabling the use of these wires in advanced magnetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
A superconductor wire can include a first superconductor tape strand and a second superconductor tape strand. Each of the first superconductor tape strand and the second superconductor tape strand can include a substrate, a buffer stack, a superconductor film, a metal layer, and a stabilizer layer
Implementation Method 2
a stabilizer layer, wherein the superconductor film is disposed between the substrate and the stabilizer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A superconductor wire can achieve a Je of at least 600 A/mm2 at 4.2 K, 20 T applied magnetic field, which is greater than Je previously reported in the literature. The superconductor wire can include superconductor tape stands that have Ic per total strand width of at least 125 A/mm at 4.2 K, 20 T applied magnetic field. In an embodiment, the superconductor wire can have superconductor film with a modified REBCO composition, where (Ba+M)/Cu is at least 0.72. In the same or different embodiment, the superconductor film can have a thickness of at least 3 microns. The superconductor tape strands can have a stabilizer layer, where the thickness of the stabilizer is selected so that the neutral plane of the strands is near or passes through the superconductor film. A superconductor cable can be made from superconductor wires.