Superconducting Cable Heat-Treatment Spool with Refractory Cushion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The fabrication of high-temperature superconducting coils using the Wind-And-React (WAR) process faces challenges with mechanical robustness and strain-induced degradation due to dimensional changes during heat-treatment, leading to limitations in winding density and current-carrying ability, while the React-And-Wind (RAW) method struggles with handling brittle materials and requires costly epoxy vacuum impregnation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a heat-treatment spool with a metal sheet, refractory cushion, and refractory cloth layers to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, along with adjustment mechanisms to mitigate strain-induced damage, and a roller system for secure integration with a copper channel to prevent deformation during soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WAR process is used to fabricate superconducting coils, then the superconducting material can be handled in its superconducting state, but the coils are not mechanically robust and thermal strain degrades performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heat-treating the superconducting material in a constrained state within a channel structure before coiling. The channel is pre-formed with appropriate mechanical properties, and the material is processed within this constraint to establish a favorable stress state that prevents future degradation from thermal cycling.
2Productivity
If the WAR process is used with mono-strand composite conductors, then the superconducting material can be processed, but winding density and current-carrying ability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating the superconducting material into a channel structure that combines different materials with complementary properties. The channel provides mechanical support and constraint, while the superconducting material provides electrical functionality, creating a composite structure that achieves both high winding density and structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the RAW method is used, then insulation can be applied before coiling and smaller furnaces can be used, but the superconducting material is brittle and requires costly epoxy vacuum impregnation
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure serves as an intermediary between the brittle superconducting material and the external environment. It provides mechanical protection and structural support, eliminating the need for complex epoxy vacuum impregnation processes while still enabling easy insulation application before coiling.
4Reliability
If strand conductors are heat-treated, then the superconducting phase forms, but dimensional changes and strain are introduced causing permanent contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different stress states in different parts of the composite structure. The channel is designed to provide constraint in specific regions where dimensional stability is critical, while allowing necessary dimensional changes in other regions. This localized control of mechanical properties enables superconducting phase formation while minimizing overall dimensional instability.
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
Enhances the mechanical robustness and handling of superconducting coils by minimizing strain-induced damage and allowing for efficient integration with channels, improving the overall performance and durability of the superconducting materials.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a heat-treatment spool with a metal sheet, refractory cushion, and refractory cloth layers to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 2
Reaction heat-treatment of a superconducting precursor to form the superconducting phase causes the superconductor to undergo dimensional changes
Implementation Method 3
a roller system for secure integration with a copper channel to prevent deformation during soldering
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A method and system for manufacturing a superconducting material is described. In one embodiment, a layer of refractory cushion is placed over a spool. A first layer of superconducting cable is wound over the first layer of refractory cloth. The superconducting cable is reaction heat-treated on the spool. A first layer of refractory fabric can be placed over the layer of refractory cushion. One or more adjustment mechanisms can be disposed between the first layer of the superconducting cable and the spool.