Demountable Superconducting Cable Joint With HTS Tape Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting joints have high electrical resistance and are not mechanically robust, leading to joule heating and limitations in high-current applications, and they are also not easily demountable for re-usable applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of superconducting joints with a conductive member having a malleable metal interface layer and embedded high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes, which provide a low-resistance, mechanically robust, and demountable connection between superconducting and normal conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional joints are used to join 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 embedding superconducting material (HTS tape) within the conducting member. This superconducting material provides a low-resistance pathway for current, dramatically reducing joule heating compared to conventional joints. The HTS tape is positioned to create parallel current paths that minimize resistance while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint employs a composite structure combining malleable metal (such as indium or aluminum) with embedded HTS tape within a conducting member housing. This composite approach leverages the electrical conductivity of the metal and the superconducting properties of the HTS tape to achieve low resistance while maintaining mechanical robustness and ease of assembly.
2Strength
If conventional joints are used to join superconducting cables, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the mechanical robustness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into distinct functional components: a conducting member housing, embedded HTS tape, and malleable metal interface layers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing provides mechanical strength, the HTS tape provides electrical conductivity, and the malleable metal ensures good contact - while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The malleable metal layer acts as an intermediary between the conducting member and the superconducting cable conductors. This intermediate layer compensates for surface irregularities and ensures intimate electrical contact without requiring precision machining or complex assembly procedures, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing mechanical robustness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If permanent joints are used to ensure mechanical strength, then the joint is mechanically robust, but the joint cannot be easily disassembled for re-usable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The joint employs dynamic, reversible mechanical fastening methods such as clamps or press-fit mechanisms instead of permanent welds or adhesives. The malleable metal layer maintains continuous contact pressure to ensure mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, while allowing the joint to be disassembled and reassembled multiple times without compromising performance, thus enabling re-usable applications.
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 solution results in a joint with reduced electrical resistance, enhanced mechanical robustness, and the ability to be easily disassembled and reassembled, suitable for high-current applications and re-usable fixtures.
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
the superconducting material may comprise one or more high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes
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.