Superconducting Diode Layout for High-Diodicity Current Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting diodes have significant disadvantages, including insufficient differences in forward and reverse bias currents, high manufacturing complexity and cost, and inefficiencies due to heat dissipation in cryostats, making them unsuitable for high-power applications.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting diode design utilizing a length of superconducting material subjected to different magnetic fields in opposite directions, with a magnetic field generator applying a net magnetic field that varies based on current direction, resulting in distinct critical currents for forward and reverse bias configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If semiconductor diodes are used to rectify AC into DC, then rectification is achieved, but massive losses occur at high currents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from semiconductor to superconducting material, which fundamentally alters the electrical resistance characteristic from finite to zero, enabling lossless rectification at high currents while maintaining rectification capability through asymmetric critical current design
2Loss of energy
If superconducting switches are used for rectification, then rectification is achieved, but device complexity increases due to separate power supplies and feedthroughs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rectification function into a single superconducting diode component that operates passively without requiring separate power supplies or feedthroughs, combining multiple functions into one element and eliminating auxiliary systems
Solution Approach 2:
The superconducting diode utilizes its own asymmetric critical current characteristics to achieve rectification without external control or additional power sources, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity
3Productivity
If switches are located within the cryostat, then rectification is achieved, but heat dissipation in the cold environment adversely affects efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating principle from active switching (which dissipates heat) to passive superconducting diode operation (which dissipates no heat), eliminating the harmful thermal effect while maintaining rectification capability through the asymmetric critical current property
4Loss of energy
If existing superconducting diode designs are used, then superconducting rectification is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the design approach by utilizing the inherent asymmetric critical current characteristic of superconducting materials under magnetic fields, which can be achieved through standard magnet placement rather than complex manufacturing processes, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost
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 design achieves a high diodicity effect, allowing efficient rectification of currents with reduced heat dissipation and lower manufacturing complexity, suitable for high-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
a length of superconducting material wherein a critical current of the length of superconducting material when current travels through the length of superconducting material in one direction is different to a critical current of the length of superconducting material when current travels through the length of superconducting material in an opposite direction
Implementation Method 2
The effect of the plurality of magnetic fields on the length of superconducting material is different when a current flows through the length of superconducting material in one direction compared to when the current flows through the length of superconducting material in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to electrical devices comprising a length of superconducting material with a critical current when current travels in one direction is different to a critical current of the length of superconducting material when current travels through the length of superconducting material in an opposite direction. The electrical device may further comprise a magnetic field generator comprising two permanent magnets positioned on the same side of the length of superconducting material and arranged substantially anti-parallel to each other. The polar axes of the two permanent magnets may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the faces of the length of superconducting material.