Superconducting Cable Connection Structure Using Inverted Wire Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting superconducting cables require additional superconducting wires for connection, increasing costs and material usage, as they typically have superconducting layers facing outward, making direct connection challenging.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure where at least one superconducting wire has its superconducting layer inside the base plate, and another has it outside, allowing them to be connected without additional connection wires, reducing material costs and resistance at the connection point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If superconducting wires with superconducting layers facing outward are used in superconductive conductor layers, then the cable structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but additional superconducting wires are required for connection increasing cost and material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by changing the orientation of the superconducting layer from facing outward to facing inward in at least one superconducting wire within the superconductive conductor layer. This allows the superconducting layers of adjacent wires to face each other directly, enabling connection without additional superconducting wires. The inversion of the superconducting layer orientation resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while eliminating the need for extra connection materials.
2Reliability
If superconducting wires are connected with superconducting layers facing each other, then connection resistance is reduced, but additional superconducting wires are needed for connection increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the superconducting wires themselves to provide the connection function. By orienting the superconducting layers to face each other within the existing conductor layer structure, the wires connect directly to adjacent cables without requiring separate connection wires. This self-connection approach reduces connection resistance while eliminating additional material requirements.
3Ease of operation
If superconducting wires with superconducting layers on both sides are used, then connection is simplified, but the cost of material itself is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different orientations of superconducting layers at different locations within the cable structure. Specifically, at least one superconducting wire has its superconducting layer facing inward while others face outward, allowing localized connection without requiring all wires to have dual-sided superconducting layers. This reduces overall material usage while maintaining connection capability where needed.
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 configuration enables cost-effective connection of superconducting cables by eliminating the need for additional connection wires and reducing material costs, while minimizing resistance and heat generation at the connection point.
Implementation Method 1
A superconducting cable includes a cable core formed by laminating, for example, a superconductive conductor layer, an electrical insulation layer and a shield layer around a former
Implementation Method 2
Inside of the thermal insulation pipe, liquid coolant having a very low temperature (for example, liquid nitrogen) is circulated to cool the cable core
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to reduce material costs of superconducting cables and construction costs when connecting these, this connection structure of a pair of superconducting cables (10A, 10B) has a cable core provided with a superconducting conductor layer (130) formed from a former (140) and multiple superconducting wires (100) arranged along the outer periphery of the former. The superconducting wires have a laminate structure comprising a base plate (1) and superconducting layer (3) formed on one primary surface of the base plate. In one of the superconducting cables (10B), a portion of the superconducting wires in the superconducting conductor layer are first superconducting wires, which are arranged in a state in which, relative to the base plate, the superconducting layer is positioned inwards in the radial direction of the cable core; in the other of the superconducting cables (10A), a portion of the superconducting wires in the superconducting conductor layer are second superconducting wires, which are arranged in a state in which, relative to the base plate, the superconducting layer is positioned outwards in the radial direction of the cable core. The one superconducting cable (10B) and the other superconducting cable (10A) are connected by the first superconducting wires and the second superconducting wires in a state in which the respective superconducting layers are opposed.