Segmented Superconducting Tape Reducing AC Losses

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Solution Overview

Problem

High temperature superconducting tapes, particularly those based on YBCO, exhibit high AC losses when used in AC current applications, and existing methods to reduce these losses are not adaptable to processing long lengths of superconducting tape, making them costly and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting tape with a high temperature superconductor layer that is segmented by forming disruptive strips on the tape substrate, buffer layer, and superconducting layer, creating parallel discontinuities that reduce AC current losses, allowing for continuous processing of long lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If standard lithographic techniques are used to divide the tape geometry into strips, then AC losses are reduced, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting layer is segmented into parallel strips by forming disruptive strips through the buffer layer, creating current-carrying elements that reduce AC losses. This segmentation is achieved through a simplified process rather than complex lithography, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disruptive strips are formed by selectively removing or disrupting the buffer layer in specific regions, extracting the buffer material to create discontinuities that segment the superconducting current paths. This extraction approach reduces AC losses without requiring expensive lithographic processing of the entire tape structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of energy

If lithographic methods are used to create segmented strips, then AC losses are reduced, but the method becomes incompatible with continuous processing of long tape lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC lossesVSAvoidadaptability to continuous processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer layer is segmented into discrete disruptive strips along the tape length, creating parallel discontinuities that reduce AC losses. This segmentation structure is compatible with continuous processing because the disruptive strips can be formed using methods suitable for long-length tape production rather than batch lithography.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer layer disruptions are formed as preliminary structures before the superconducting layer is deposited, allowing the segmentation pattern to be established once and then replicated continuously along the tape length. This preliminary action enables continuous processing compatibility while maintaining the AC loss reduction benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If the superconducting layer is segmented into narrow strips, then AC current losses are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC current lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer layer serves as an intermediary layer that is disrupted to create the segmentation pattern. By forming disruptions in this intermediate buffer layer rather than directly in the superconducting layer, the manufacturing process is simplified while still achieving the desired current segmentation and AC loss reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The segmentation pattern created by the disruptive strips in the buffer layer is copied or replicated through the superconducting layer deposition process. This copying approach allows the segmentation structure to be transferred without requiring complex lithographic processing of each layer individually, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 segmentation of the superconducting tape into filament-like structures effectively reduces AC losses, making it suitable for applications like power transmission, motors, and transformers, while being cost-effective and efficient for long-length processing.

Implementation Method 1

High temperature superconducting tapes, particularly those based on a superconducting yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) coating or layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 2

Segmentation of the current-carrying elements has the effect of reducing AC current losses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC losses reduction through segmentation:

Data Source

PatentUS7593758B2Segmented superconducting tape having reduced AC losses and method of making

Publication Date: 2009.09.22 TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A superconducting tape having reduced AC losses. The tape has a high temperature superconductor layer that is segmented. Disruptive strips, formed in one of the tape substrate, a buffer layer, and the superconducting layer create parallel discontinuities in the superconducting layer that separate the current-carrying elements of the superconducting layer into strips or filament-like structures. Segmentation of the current-carrying elements has the effect of reducing AC current losses. Methods of making such a superconducting tape and reducing AC losses in such tapes are also disclosed.