Superconducting PCB for Power Electronics Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems with power electronics require heavy copper conductor tracks, leading to increased weight and unfavorable temperature transitions, which are disadvantageous for applications requiring weight savings and efficient thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board (PCB) with superconducting conductor tracks that transmit electrical energy and signals, allowing for the reduction or elimination of heavy copper tracks and the integration of power electronics systems in a cryogenic temperature range to prevent temperature transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If heavy copper conductor tracks are used for power transmission, then current transmission capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional copper conductor tracks to superconducting material for the power transmission track. This material parameter change enables high current transmission capability while significantly reducing the weight and cross-sectional area required, as superconductors can carry much higher current densities without resistance-induced heating.
2Reliability
If copper conductor tracks are used with power electronics systems, then electrical connection is established, but great temperature transitions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct thermal zones: the power transmission track using superconducting material operates in a cryogenic temperature range to maintain superconductivity, while the signal electronics system operates at ambient temperature. This local quality differentiation allows each component to operate in its optimal temperature range, preventing detrimental temperature transitions at interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical system into separate thermal domains: a cryogenic zone for superconducting power transmission and an ambient temperature zone for conventional signal electronics. This segmentation is achieved through thermal isolation structures that allow electrical connections while preventing thermal coupling, thus maintaining reliable electrical connections without great temperature transitions.
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 use of superconducting PCBs enables the transmission of high currents while reducing weight and preventing temperature transitions, making them suitable for weight-reducing designs with multiphase applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrical conductor track comprises a superconducting material, that is to say a superconductor... whose electrical resistance becomes very low when the transition temperature is undershot, for example falls to below 10−20 W
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board for transmitting electrical energy and for signal transmission includes electrical conductor tracks coupled to the printed circuit board wherein the electrical conductor tracks include a first electrical conductor track with a superconducting material. The first electrical conductor track is designed to provide electrical energy directly to a power electronics system. The electrical conductor tracks include a second electrical conductor track which is designed to provide a signal transmission to a signal electronics system. A system is disclosed having such a printed circuit board.