Stellarator Coil Cable with Pre-Aligned Superconductor Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stellarator designs face challenges in aligning multiple layers of superconductor material due to strong magnetic field alignment sensitivity, which complicates the winding of non-planar magnetic field coils and affects the critical current of the superconductor materials.
Innovation Solution
A cable design for stellarator magnetic field coils that separates mechanical alignment from magnetic alignment by allowing independent orientation changes along the length of the cable, with an inner section of superconductor material and an outer section with a fixed orientation, enabling optimization based on magnetic and mechanical requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple layers of superconductor material are used in stellarator non-planar magnetic coils, then strong magnetic fields and high temperature superconductivity are achieved, but magnetic field alignment sensitivity reduces critical current
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into an inner section containing multiple layers of superconductor material and an outer section surrounding the inner section. This segmentation allows the superconductor layers to be independently oriented within the inner section while the outer section provides structural support and maintains a fixed cross-sectional orientation, resolving the conflict between achieving strong magnetic fields and maintaining reliable critical current
Solution Approach 2:
The inner section and outer section are assigned different functional qualities: the inner section is optimized for magnetic field generation with adjustable superconductor layer orientation, while the outer section is optimized for mechanical stability with a fixed cross-sectional orientation. This local differentiation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other
2Reliability
If superconductor layers are aligned with magnetic field, then critical current is maximized, but winding of non-planar magnetic field coils becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cable into inner and outer sections with independent orientation capabilities, the superconductor layers can be pre-aligned in the inner section while the outer section is wound in a standard manner. This segmentation decouples the alignment requirement from the winding complexity, allowing both objectives to be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The cable design allows the first orientation (superconductor layers) to change independently from the second orientation (cross-section) along the length of the cable. This dynamic independence enables the superconductor layers to continuously align with the magnetic field direction while the outer section maintains a consistent winding structure, maximizing critical current without compromising manufacturability
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed orientation of superconductor layers is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but alignment with magnetic field is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure enables dynamic orientation adjustment of the superconductor layers within the inner section while maintaining a fixed outer section. This dynamic capability allows the superconductor layers to be aligned with the magnetic field during operation without complicating the manufacturing process, as the outer section provides a stable reference frame for winding
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 design optimizes the alignment of superconductor layers to enhance the critical current and reduce material requirements, improving the reliability and efficiency of the non-planar magnetic field coils while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The superconductor material allows a positive energy balance of the stellarator as the current in the cable has no electrical resistance, thereby avoiding ohmic losses of the cable during operation. Further, the use of superconductor material allows strong magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
The outer section comprises a first conductive material which fixes the first orientation, wherein the first orientation changes along a length of the cable with respect to the second orientation
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A stellarator comprising a non-planar magnetic field coil with a cable as well as a method for providing a cable for a non-planar magnetic field coil in a stellarator is presented. The cable comprises an inner section (100) comprising multiple layers of superconductor material (200), the multiple layers of superconductor material (200) having a first orientation (210, 210a, 210b, 210c), an outer section (300) surrounding the inner section (100), the outer section (300) having a cross-section (310) with a second orientation (320, 320a, 320b, 320c), wherein the outer section (300) comprises a first conductive material (410) which fixes the first orientation (210, 210a, 210b, 210c), wherein the first orientation (210, 210a, 210b, 210c) changes along a length (50) of the cable (40) with respect to the second orientation (320, 320a, 320b, 320c).