Superconducting Cable Joint Direct Phase Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining superconducting cables are complex and time-consuming, often resulting in resistive connections that can cause local overheating and potential destruction due to Joule losses, especially when dealing with high-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A junction method where the abutting internal phase layers of superconducting cables are directly connected, with a bridging support member placed between stripped neutral layers, using conductive or superconductive material for electrical connection, and filled with cryogenic fluid to exploit dielectric properties, ensuring quasi-continuity of superconducting properties with minimal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-stage superposition methods are used to join superconducting cables, then connection reliability can be maintained, but the manufacturing complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable layers are divided into sections to be stripped and reconfigured. The superconducting phase layers and neutral layers are segmented separately, allowing the inner layers to be stripped for direct connection while outer layers remain intact, simplifying the overall junction process
Solution Approach 2:
The superconducting phase layers are pre-stripped and prepared for direct connection before the actual joining process. The neutral layers are also pre-stripped and positioned with support members in advance, enabling a simpler and faster final assembly
2Strength
If conventional joining methods are used, then structural integrity can be maintained, but resistive connections cause local overheating and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting internal phase layers of superconducting material are directly connected by stripping and joining them together, eliminating intermediate conductive elements that would create resistive connections. This merging of superconducting layers maintains structural integrity while avoiding Joule losses
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical resistance parameter is changed from resistive (in conventional connections) to superconductive (in direct layer connections). By maintaining the superconducting state through direct layer joining, the connection resistance drops to near-zero, eliminating energy losses while preserving structural strength
3Ease of manufacture
If complete stripping of all layers is performed for direct connection, then manufacturing simplicity increases, but insulation and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary layers are stripped at specific locations: the inner superconducting phase layers are stripped for direct connection, while the outer neutral layers are stripped only enough to accommodate support members. This localized stripping approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining insulation where required
Solution Approach 2:
Support members are introduced as intermediary elements between the stripped neutral layers. These support members provide mechanical support and maintain proper spacing, enabling easy assembly while ensuring electrical insulation and safety are not compromised
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 approach simplifies the junction process, reduces system losses, and minimizes the risk of overheating, maintaining superconducting properties with low connection resistances, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of conductive or superconductive material for electrical connection of these neutral layers is placed on said bridging support member... the realization of the junction exploits the dielectric properties of the cryogenic fluid contained in the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
each cable comprising around a central support at least one phase layer consisting of at least one layer of superconducting material... maintaining superconducting properties with low connection resistances
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a junction of two butted cables, each cable comprising, around a central support, at least one phase layer consisting of at least one concentric superconducting material layer (1A, 1B) and one concentric neutral layer (4A, 4B) contained within a casing (8) filled with cryogenic fluid, said internal butted phase layers (1A, 1B) being bare and directly connected. According to the invention, said neutral layer (4A, 4B) of each cable is also bare, at least one bridging support element (6, 60) is disposed between said bare neutral layers (4A, 4B), and a layer of electrically connecting conductive or superconducting material (7) for these neutral layers is disposed on said bridging support element (6, 60).