Superconducting Wire Joining Layer Quench Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Superconducting material joining layers are prone to burnout due to quenching, which affects the reliability of superconducting wires, coils, and devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a conductor layer on each wire that connects to form a bypass, redirecting current flow around the joining layer during quenching, thereby preventing burnout and enhancing mechanical strength in the joining portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a superconducting material joining layer is used to join two superconducting wires, then the wires can be connected, but the joining layer is prone to burnout due to quenching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of superconducting wireVSAvoidburnout of joining layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductor layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the superconducting material layers and the external circuit. This conductor layer serves as a protective mediator that absorbs the harmful effects of quenching, preventing direct damage to the superconducting material joining layer while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor layer is positioned in advance to cushion against potential quenching events. By having this protective layer pre-installed, the system is prepared to absorb the shock of quenching before it can reach and damage the superconducting material joining layer, thus preventing burnout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If the superconducting material joining layer is made thicker to improve joining strength, then mechanical strength increases, but the risk of burnout during quenching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of joining portionVSAvoidresistance to burnout

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joining structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: the superconducting material joining layer for mechanical bonding and the conductor layer for electrical protection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the joining layer can be made thick for strength while the conductor layer protects against burnout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the wire structure are assigned different properties. The superconducting material joining layer is designed with thick dimensions for mechanical strength in specific joining regions, while the conductor layer provides localized protection against thermal and electrical stress during quenching events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively prevents burnout of the superconducting material joining layer during quenching, ensuring high reliability of superconducting wires, coils, and devices by redirecting current flow and increasing mechanical strength.

Implementation Method 1

a first superconducting material layer (13) having a first main surface (13s); a second superconducting material layer (23) having a second main surface (23s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 2

The first wire further includes a first conductor layer (14) that is disposed on the first main surface so as to be located adjacent to the first end portion. The second wire further includes a second conductor layer (24) that is disposed on the second main surface so as to be located adjacent to the second end portion. The first conductor layer and the second conductor layer are connected to each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11715586B2Superconducting wire, superconducting coil, superconducting magnet, and superconducting device

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

In a superconducting wire, a superconducting material joining layer joins a first end portion of a first superconducting material layer of a first wire and a second end portion of a second superconducting material layer of a second wire. The first wire and the second wire are disposed such that a first end face and a second end face are positioned to face in the same direction. The first wire further includes a first conductor layer disposed on the first main surface so as to be located adjacent to the first end portion. The second wire further includes a second conductor layer disposed on the second main surface so as to be located adjacent to the second end portion. The first conductor layer and the second conductor layer are connected to each other.