Superconducting Wire Heater Layout for Low-Power Current Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing persistent current switches using thin film superconducting wires lack efficient heating mechanisms, which hinders their performance.
Innovation Solution
A persistent current switch design featuring a superconducting wire with a substrate and superconducting layer, where a heater is sandwiched between two portions of the wire, and a holding member with a filler material is used to enhance heating efficiency and prevent dew condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a thin film superconducting wire is used in the persistent current switch, then the device can be manufactured with finer structures and lower material consumption, but the heating efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient heat transfer from the heater to the superconducting wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heater as an intermediary component positioned between the first and second portions of the thin film superconducting wire. This heater acts as a thermal mediator that efficiently transfers heat to the superconducting wire, resolving the heating efficiency problem while maintaining the manufacturability benefits of thin film structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is nested between the first and second portions of the thin film superconducting wire, with the heater positioned within the structure formed by the folded wire. This nested configuration maximizes thermal contact and heating efficiency while maintaining the compact thin film structure.
2Ease of operation
If the superconducting wire is heated to switch from superconducting state to normal conducting state, then the persistent current can be controlled, but energy is consumed in the heating process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the temperature parameter of the thin film superconducting wire by applying heat through the heater. By changing the temperature parameter from below the critical temperature (superconducting state) to above it (normal conducting state), the persistent current is controlled. The localized heating minimizes energy consumption compared to heating the entire wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater applies heat locally to specific portions of the thin film superconducting wire rather than heating the entire wire uniformly. This localized heating approach reduces the total energy required for switching while maintaining effective control over the persistent current.
3Productivity
If the thin film superconducting wire is heated efficiently, then the switching performance is improved, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film superconducting wire is segmented into at least two distinct portions (first and second portions) that are positioned to face each other with the heater between them. This segmentation allows the heater to efficiently heat specific segments for switching control while the unheated portions maintain stable temperatures, thus managing temperature distribution non-uniformity.
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 significantly improves heating efficiency, allows for efficient operation in persistent current mode with reduced power, and prevents dew condensation when transitioning from cryogenic to normal temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a superconducting wire (1) and a heater (2). The superconducting wire (1) includes a surface including a first portion (1aa) and a second portion (1ab) that are disposed apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the superconducting wire (1). The first portion (1aa) and the second portion (1ab) face each other. The heater (2) is sandwiched between the first portion (1aa) and the second portion (1ab).
Implementation Method 2
a superconducting wire including a substrate and a superconducting layer disposed on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A persistent current switch includes a superconducting wire including a substrate and a superconducting layer disposed on the substrate, and a heater. The superconducting wire includes a surface including a first portion and a second portion that are disposed apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the superconducting wire. The first portion and the second portion face each other. The heater is sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion.