Superconducting Cable Joint Structure for Low-Resistance Cryogenic Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting joints have high electrical resistance and are not mechanically robust, leading to joule heating and potential failures when used with high-current superconducting cables, especially at cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The development of superconducting joints with a conductive member containing a superconducting insert, such as HTS tape, and a malleable metal interface layer to reduce resistance and enhance mechanical robustness, allowing for low-resistance and high-reliability connections between superconducting cables or between superconducting and normal conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional joints are used to connect superconducting cables, then the joint structure is simple, but the electrical resistance is high causing joule heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of the joint by introducing superconducting material (such as superconducting tape or wire) into the joint structure. This superconducting material has zero or near-zero electrical resistance at cryogenic temperatures, thereby eliminating joule heating and energy loss while maintaining joint reliability under high current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by combining superconducting material with conventional conductive materials (such as copper or aluminum) in the joint. The superconducting material provides low-resistance path for high current, while the conventional materials provide structural support and thermal management, creating a composite joint that simultaneously reduces energy loss and maintains reliability.
2Strength
If conventional joints are used to connect superconducting cables, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the mechanical robustness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction where superconducting material is integrated with structurally robust conventional materials. This composite structure provides enhanced mechanical strength and robustness to withstand high electromagnetic forces and thermal stresses, while the manufacturing process remains relatively straightforward by incorporating the superconducting material into existing joint fabrication procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by placing superconducting material specifically in the critical current-carrying regions of the joint where both electrical performance and mechanical strength are most needed. This localized application provides mechanical robustness at key stress points without requiring complete redesign of the entire joint structure, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Loss of energy
If joints with low electrical resistance are designed, then energy loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves low electrical resistance by changing the material parameter to superconducting material, which inherently provides zero or near-zero resistance. The joint structure maintains simplicity by using straightforward geometries and conventional connection methods, avoiding complex multi-component assemblies. The superconducting material is integrated in a way that preserves manufacturing simplicity while delivering the desired low-resistance performance.
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 proposed solution results in superconducting joints with significantly reduced electrical resistance, improved mechanical robustness, and cost-effectiveness, enabling efficient and reliable connections even under high current and cryogenic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the superconducting material is disposed within the conducting member so as to provide a superconducting signal path between the first and second conductors
Implementation Method 2
the malleable metal forms an electrically conductive layer (also sometimes referred to as an interface layer) in the mounting region. The electrically conductive layer is disposed between respective surfaces of the mounting regions and one or more surfaces of the conductors to be joined
Implementation Method 3
any electrical resistance in the joint results in joule heating due to current passing through the joint from the superconductor to the other conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical joint includes a conductive member having a first mounting region configured to connect to a first conductor and a second mounting region configured to connect to a second conductor, wherein the first conductor comprises a cable and a superconducting material within the conductive member and configured to conduct a current between the first and second mounting regions. Also described is a method of forming an electrical joint, comprising forming a conductive member having a first mounting region configured to connect to a first conductor and a second mounting region configured to connect to a second conductor, wherein the first conductor comprises a cable and a superconducting material within the conductive member and configured to conduct a current between the first and second mounting regions.