AC losses in circular arrangements of parallel superconducting tapes

The DC and AC properties of superconducting tapes connected in parallel and arranged in a single closed layer on two tubes (corresponding to power cable conductor models with infinite pitch) with different diameters are compared. We find that the DC properties, i.e., the critical currents of the two arrangements, scale with the number of tapes and hence appear to be independent of the diameter. However, the AC loss per tape (for a given current per tape) appears to decrease with increasing diameter of the circular arrangement. Compared to a model for the AC loss in a continuous superconducting layer (Monoblock model) the measured values are about half an order of magnitude higher than expected for the small diameter arrangement. When compared to the AC loss calculated for N individual superconducting tapes using a well known model (Norris elliptical) the difference is slightly smaller.     

AC losses in multifilamentary HTS-composite tapes based on BiPbSrCaCuO

Some results of AC loss measurements are presented for 19, 61, 127-filamentary Bi-2223/Ag tapes prepared by the ‘powder-in-tube' method. All measurements have been made at T=77 K under sinusoidal transport current with frequency in the range of 30–600 Hz and the current amplitude up to 30 A. The measurements have been carried out both in self field conditions and at the external magnetic field applied to the tape at the different angles. The dependencies of the AC losses on current amplitude and frequency have been obtained. It is found that for all tapes the current amplitude dependencies of the AC losses show good agreement with the Norris prediction for an elliptical or strip geometry. The AC loss dependencies on frequency were linear. The measurements of AC losses in external magnetic field show that the change of AC losses is only through the change of the critical current. So the transport AC losses in the tapes are the ‘saturation losses' that is they are different from classic hysteresis losses.     

Numerical modelings of superconducting wires for AC loss calculations

Superconducting properties of superconducting wires as well as the influence of their composite structure and twisting should be taken into account for their numerical modeling for AC loss calculations. Furthermore, complicated electromagnetic conditions in electrical apparatuses under which superconducting wires are used influence their AC loss properties; superconducting wires carry their transport current and are exposed to the external magnetic field whose direction and magnitude vary spatially. A series of numerical models of superconducting tapes based on the finite element method has been developed. In each model, some of the above-mentioned factors that could influence the AC loss properties are taken into account. The models are formulated with the current vector potential and the scalar magnetic potential (T–Ω method). Superconducting property is given by the E–J characteristic represented by a power law. The current distributions in non-twisted and twisted superconducting tapes carrying their transport current and/or exposed to the external magnetic field are calculated with these models to estimate their AC loss. The current distribution in a short piece of superconducting tape exposed to AC magnetic field is also calculated.     

Finite element analysis of AC loss in non-twisted Bi-2223 tape carrying AC transport current and/or exposed to DC or AC external magnetic field

AC losses in Bi-2223 superconducting tapes carrying AC transport current and/or exposed to DC or AC magnetic field are calculated with a numerical model based on the finite element method. Superconducting property is given by the E–J characteristic represented by a power law using equivalent conductivity. First, transport loss and magnetization loss are calculated numerically and compared with measured values. The calculated losses almost agree with the measured losses. Frequency dependencies of calculated and measured transport losses are compared with each other. Next, the influence of DC external magnetic field on the transport loss is studied. DC external magnetic field reduces n that is an exponent in the power law connecting resistivity and current density. The numerically calculated transport loss increases with increasing DC magnetic field. Finally, the total loss of superconducting tape carrying AC transport current in AC magnetic field is calculated. In the perpendicular magnetic field, the calculated total loss is lager than the sum of the transport loss and the magnetization loss, while they almost agree with each other in the parallel magnetic field.     

Influence of DC external magnetic field on AC transport current loss of HTS tape

We measured the AC transport current loss of Bi 2223 multifilament Ag-sheathed tape under DC external magnetic field of 0–0.2 T. There were discrepancies between the measured data and Norris' formula for elliptical model in the range of low value of I_p/I_c (I_p and I_c are peak of the AC transport current and critical current of the tape respectively), while without DC background field, the loss of the tape was close to Norris' formula. Theoretically speaking, even with the DC background field and decreased critical current the AC transport current loss of the tape follows Norris' formula which is derived from the Bean model. When DC background field is applied to the HTS tape, n value of the power law E–J characteristics decreases together with the decrease of J_c. Dependence of the AC transport current loss on the n value was analyzed by numerical calculation. The results show that the loss depends on the n value and that decrease of the n value is one of the causes of the discrepancies between the measured data and Norris' formula.     

Measuring transport current loss of BSCCO/Ag tapes exposed to external AC magnetic field

BSCCO/Ag tape superconductors are developed for electrical power applications at liquid nitrogen temperatures. In these applications, e.g., superconducting transformers and power cables, an AC transport current and an AC magnetic field are present at the same time. A set-up to measure the influence of external AC magnetic field on the transport current loss, i.e., the voltage drop across a sample supplied with an AC transport current, has been developed. The magnetic field can be applied both parallel and perpendicular to the broad side of the tape conductor. An increase of the transport current loss due to the external AC magnetic field is observed. When a DC external magnetic field is applied the increase of the self-field loss can be described well by the decrease of the critical current due to the magnetic field. In the case of an AC external magnetic field this is only a minor effect. For magnetic field amplitudes higher than a certain threshold value the transport current loss is described reasonably well by the self-field loss and a dynamic resistance contribution calculated from the DC voltage–current relation in AC magnetic field.     

Decrease of magnetic AC loss in twisted-filament Bi-2223 tapes

In AC power-engineering applications, a large part of the AC loss in the superconductor is due to magnetization by the external field. This magnetic AC loss has been well described for the low-T_c conductors. In Bi-2223 tapes the picture is different due to strong anisotropy, granularity and flux creep. Magnetic AC loss in various twisted and non-twisted Bi-2223 tapes has been measured at power frequencies by a pickup method. The results are compared to theoretical models of magnetization loss. When the field is parallel to the tape plane, the filaments in twisted tapes can be decoupled and the AC loss is decreased even when the matrix is pure silver. The extra effect of higher-resistance matrix materials is studied. In perpendicular field it is more difficult to decouple the filaments, due to the particular tape geometry. Contrary to a wire, there are essential differences between the AC loss mechanisms in a long twisted tape and those in a short piece of non-twisted tape. Finally, the dynamic resistance caused by the AC magnetic field is examined.     

传输交流的Bi2223/Ag高温超导带在不同取向交流外场下的交流损耗

在高温超导的电力应用中，如超导电机、变压器等，多数情况下，高温超导带材在通以交流传输电流的同时还处于交变磁场中。此时，超导体的交流损耗不仅依赖于磁场的大小，还与磁场相对于超导带面的取向有关。本文在77K及工频50Hz情况下，实验研究了单根多芯Bi2223/Ag高温超导带及两带并联时的交流损耗随着外磁场与带面夹角的变化情况；以及交流磁场对临界电流的影响情况；并对单根带及两带并联的实验结果进行了比较与分析。     

Electro-mechanical behavior of single twisted high-temperature superconducting tape under transverse Lorentz force

In recent years, several cabling methods of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable have been proposed; e.g., the conductor on a round core cable (CORC), the Roebel assembled coated conductor cable, the helical twisted stacking-tape cable (TSTC) and the twisted-stack slotted core HTS cable (TSSC). These cabling methods allow the high temperature superconducting tapes widely used in the high-field magnets. The single superconducting tape performance under applied loads directly relates to the transport performance of the cable and the choice of the cabling method. In this paper, we investigate the effect of twisting morphology on the electro-mechanical properties of HTS tapes. Particular attention is given to the transverse Lorentz force of a pre-twisted HTS tape. The analytical solution of the deflection of the HTS tape under transverse Lorentz force is derived. Then, the current distribution and AC loss of the tape are calculated by using H-formulation. The effects of twist angle and loading conditions are examined for different HTS tape lengths. The results show that the stiffness resistance ability to Lorentz force of the HTS tape can be increased in several ranges by increasing the twist angle. The twisting structure can also reduce current degradation and AC loss, and thus enhance the transport capacity of HTS tape. This study helps understand the electro-mechanical properties of pre-twisted HTS tapes and provides theoretical reference for the design of novel HTS cable structures.     

Influence of structural disorder on low-temperature behavior of penetration depth in electron-doped high-TC thin films

The results of Hall probe magnetic measurements in the vicinity of a DyBCO tape carrying transport or magnetization currents at 77 K were used in the inverse calculation to obtain the current distribution across the tape width. Two different methods of the inverse problem calculation were used and the results compared. The transport current applied in the absence of the external magnetic field was stepwise increased and the determined current distribution was compared with that predicted by Brandt and Indenbom. The predicted convex shape of the current distribution in the central tape section was proved. Contrary to the prediction, we have observed a drop of the current at the tape edges. This result supports the conclusions of the loss measurements in YBCO tapes [O. Tsukamoto, Supercond. Sci. Technol. 18 (5) (2005) 596]. We also mapped the magnetic field in the vicinity of the tape carrying induced magnetization currents in the absence of the transport current and determined the corresponding current distribution. Superposition of the self magnetic field and a homogeneous external magnetic field (36 mT) flattens the magnetization current distribution evidently.     

Effect of the sheath resistivity and tape geometry on eddy current loss in Bi(2223) tapes

We have made a software electromagnetic simulation of eddy current effects in Bi(2223)Ag sheathed tapes with applied AC transport current in a broad frequency range. We have used simple models of monocore and multicore tapes. Calculated is the power distribution (W/m³) within the metal sheath using the geometry of real tapes. The numerical simulation is carried out with Finite-element-method software. The paper also describes the influence of the tape cross-sectional architecture and the sheath resistivity on the eddy current loss.     

外场下机械振动对高温超导带材交流损耗的影响

高温超导带材在磁场中传输交变电流时,将受到电磁力的作用而产生机械振动,振动对带材的交流损耗将产生影响.本文讨论了振动情况下交流损耗的测量方法,在平行于带面的直流磁场下,测量了Bi-2223/Ag高温超导带材在不同振动情况下的交流损耗.结果显示:当传输电流频率偏离样品的共振频率时,振动对带材的交流损耗影响不大;只有当电流频率在共振频率附近时,样品产生剧烈振动,交流损耗才有明显的增加;另外,带材振动时的交流损耗随频率变化曲线的斜率比不振动时略有增加.     

A simple electromagnetic method of cyclic loss measurement for superconducting wires in a combined alternating transverse magnetic field and transport current

We measured cyclic losses in a superconducting wire, carrying alternating transport current, simultaneously exposed to an alternating transverse magnetic field. Samples of Bi-2223 Ag-sheathed tapes have configuration of a double-layer non-inductive coil, which itself is a pickup coil to measure the AC losses. Potential taps were attached to both terminals of the sample coil. The external field was applied along the axis of the sample coil. In this procedure, we can estimate an averaged Poynting's vector on a cylindrical surface between the two layers by means of signals from a pair of the potential taps and from pickup coils for the external magnetic field and the transport current. We can also measure a magnetization and an extended transport-current components of AC losses in addition to a total cyclic loss for a combined alternating external field and transport current. Obtained results are compared with numerical predictions of the critical state model taking into account the magnetic field dependence of critical current density.     

AC losses in multifilamentary Bi(2223) tapes with an interfilamentary resistive carbonate barrier

For the most common AC application frequencies, the main component of the AC losses in multifilamentary Bi(2223) tapes are caused by hysteresis- and coupling losses. These losses can be reduced enhancing the matrix resistivity and applying a twist to the filaments. We report on the AC loss properties of 37-filament tapes with AgAu (8 wt.%) matrix, and novel 19-filament tapes with SrCO₃ barriers between the filaments. We performed transport AC loss and magnetic AC loss measurements in parallel and perpendicular magnetic fields. Both kinds of tapes were also prepared with filament twists below a twist pitch of 20 mm. The influence of the different tape modifications on the AC loss behaviour is presented and compared with theoretical models to understand the effect of the resistive matrix. In the case of magnetic AC loss measurements, reduced AC losses due to decoupled filaments were observed for the twisted tapes with a resistive matrix in low parallel fields.     

AC transport and magnetic characterisation of multifilamentary Ag-BSCCO(2223) tapes with different filament arrangements

AC losses in multifilamentary tapes depend on various parameters. Among them, geometrical factors such as overall tape width and thickness as well as the precise arrangement of the filaments are expected to have an important influence. Several theoretical models describe this dependency. In order to study these geometrical effects experimentally, we prepared a series of Bi(2223)/Ag tapes with gradually changing filament arrangements and tape aspect ratio, and characterised them by AC transport and magnetic measurements. The results are compared to model predictions.     

Evaluation of geometrical effect on magnetization loss in GdBCO coated conductor

The magnetization loss density in stacked GdBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ coated conductor was measured using a SQUID magnetometer in a magnetic field normal to the tape surface to investigate the effect of stack on the magnetization loss. The AC loss characteristics are successfully collapsed to a single curve by the normalization at all the measurement temperatures. The losses are similar at high magnetic fields regardless the number of tapes. In addition, the AC loss decreases with increasing the number of tapes in stack at low magnetic fields.     

Analysis of the DC and AC behaviour of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox tapes arranged in z-stack configuration

The DC and AC behaviour of Ag-sheathed Bi₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_x(BSCCO-2223) tapes, arranged in a z-stack configuration, are investigated. The number of tapes in the stack can be varied, from one (single tape) to four, as well as the inter-tape separation. Tapes are isolated and connected in series to ensure a uniform current distribution among the tapes. The critical currents and the average AC losses per tape as a function of the transport current are measured. By increasing the number of tapes or/and reducing the separation between them, the critical current of each tape is decreased while the average losses are increased. Tapes in a stack are found to be electromagnetically coupled, the degree of this coupling being dependent on the separation among them. Theoretical models are provided to explain the experimental results.     

The frequency dependence of AC transport losses in stacked Bi—2223／Ag superconducting tapes

AC transport losses in a single superconducting tape, double-and triple-stacked Bi-2223/Ag superconducting tapes were measured by use of electrical method. The measurements were carried out at 77K with the frequency of AC transport currents ranging from 50 to 100Hz. The dependence of AC losses on frequency and the number of tapes in the stack were presented and analysed.     

具有不同临界电流的Bi2223/Ag多芯超导带材的自场损耗和交流电流电压特性

对具有不同临界电流的Ｂｉ２２２３／Ａｇ多芯超导材的交流电流电压特性进行了测量和评价,当传输电流的有效值Ｉｎｎｓ小于临界电流Ｉｃ时,交流电压的大小与传输电流的频率成正比;但Ｉｎｎｓ接近临界电流时,不同频率所对应的交流电压的大小之间的差别减小了,所有的曲线都汇聚成一条曲线,传输电流的频率分别为４０Ｈｚ,６０Ｈｚ,８０Ｈｚ,２００Ｈｚ及３００Ｈｚ时,我们测量了交变传输电流在Ｂｉ２２２３／Ａｇ带材中产生的自场损耗。结果表明当传输电流的频率较低时,实验结果与基于Ｂｅａｎ模型的Ｎｏｒｒｉｓ方程预期的结果一致;另外,实验结果表明存在一个电流Ｉ′,它的值小于任何一个样品的临界电流,本实验中Ｉ′的值是１０安培,在传输相同大小的电流Ｉｎｎ且Ｉｎｎｓ〈Ｉ′时,Ｂｏｉ２２２３／Ａｇ带材的交流损耗与它的临界电流成正比;但当Ｉｎｎｓ〉Ｉ′     

Calculating transport AC losses in stacks of high temperature superconductor coated conductors with magnetic substrates using FEM

In this paper, the authors investigate the electromagnetic properties of stacks of high temperature superconductor (HTS) coated conductors with a particular focus on calculating the total transport AC loss. The cross-section of superconducting cables and coils is often modeled as a two-dimensional stack of coated conductors, and these stacks can be used to estimate the AC loss of a practical device. This paper uses a symmetric two dimensional (2D) finite element model based on the H formulation, and a detailed investigation into the effects of a magnetic substrate on the transport AC loss of a stack is presented. The number of coated conductors in each stack is varied from 1 to 150, and three types of substrate are compared: non-magnetic weakly magnetic and strongly magnetic. The non-magnetic substrate model is comparable with results from existing models for the limiting cases of a single tape (Norris) and an infinite stack (Clem). The presence of a magnetic substrate increases the total AC loss of the stack, due to an increased localized magnetic flux density, and the stronger the magnetic material, the further the flux penetrates into the stack overall. The AC loss is calculated for certain tapes within the stack, and the differences and similarities between the losses throughout the stack are explained using the magnetic flux penetration and current density distributions in those tapes. The ferromagnetic loss of the substrate itself is found to be negligible in most cases, except for small magnitudes of current. Applying these findings to practical applications, where AC transport current is involved, superconducting coils should be wound where possible using coated conductors with a non-magnetic substrate to reduce the total AC loss in the coil.