Superconducting Wire Fabrication via Electric Field Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for making superconducting wires often result in micropores due to incomplete removal of organic solvents and the silver or silver alloy wires used are not strong enough to withstand sintering and rolling processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a carbon nanotube layer with superconducting preforms is used, where the preforms are moved onto the nanotube layer using an electric field and the composite wire is then sintered, eliminating the need for organic solvents and enhancing the wire's strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If organic solvent is used to dissolve superconducting precursor powder and coat on silver wire, then the superconducting coating can be formed, but micropores will result in the superconducting wire due to incomplete removal of organic solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the organic solvent component from the process entirely, replacing it with a water-based slurry system. This extraction of the harmful organic solvent eliminates the source of micropore formation while maintaining the coating functionality through alternative binding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the coating medium from organic solvent to water-based slurry. This parameter change transforms the chemical environment, eliminating volatile organic compounds that cause micropores while introducing a system where water serves as the carrier that can be completely removed without leaving residues.
2Ease of manufacture
If silver wire or silver alloy wire is used as substrate, then the superconducting coating can be applied, but the strength of the wire is not high enough to withstand sintering and rolling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the superconducting coating with a strong substrate wire. The substrate provides mechanical strength to withstand sintering and rolling, while the superconducting coating layer provides the desired electrical properties. This composite approach allows each component to fulfill its optimal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the superconducting coating to the substrate wire before sintering and rolling operations. This preliminary coating ensures that the superconducting layer is already in place and protected during subsequent mechanical processes, preventing damage to the coating while the strong substrate supports these operations.
3Productivity
If multiple processing steps including sintering and rolling are performed, then the superconducting wire can be formed to desired specifications, but the process requires high wire strength to withstand these operations
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of strong substrate plus superconducting coating enables the wire to undergo multiple processing steps including sintering and rolling. The substrate's high strength carries the mechanical loads during these operations while the coating remains intact, allowing complete productivity of the manufacturing process.
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
This approach prevents micropore formation and strengthens the superconducting wire, improving its structural integrity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
moving the plurality of superconducting preforms 12 from the carrier 11 onto the carbon nanotube layer 14 by applying an electric field between the carbon nanotube layer 14 and the carrier 11
Implementation Method 2
sintering the composite wire 15
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making superconducting wire is provided. A number of superconducting preforms is formed on a carrier. A carbon nanotube layer is placed spaced from and opposite to the carrier. The superconducting preforms are moved from the carrier onto the carbon nanotube layer by applying an electric field between the carbon nanotube layer and the carrier. A composite wire is made by treating the carbon nanotube layer with the superconducting preforms thereon. Finally, the composite wire is sintered.