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.     

AC losses in BiPbSrCaCuO-2223/Ag multifilamentary tapes in conditions similar to those in superconducting transmission lines

Transport AC losses in BiPbSrCaCuO-2223/Ag multifilamentary tape with 19 filaments were measured. The sample was 1.05 m long, wound in form of a helix with a gap between the tapes comparable with the tape width. Two different types of potential leads—tape following, axis following—with taps positioned in the centre of the tape were mounted on inner as well as outer surface of the helical sample. AC losses were measured at power frequencies by an electrical method using a lock-in nanovoltmeter. The influence of potential wires arrangement and the potential taps position on measured AC loss level and its frequency dependence was analysed.     

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 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.     

Calculation of AC losses in HTSC wires with arbitrary current voltage characteristics

A method for the calculation of magnetic field dynamics and AC losses in superconductors with smooth current–voltage characteristics is described. It is based on an integral equation for the current density, recently used by Brandt for magnetic relaxation. Brandt's equation is generalized to include arbitrary external magnetic fields and transport currents. One of the benefits of the integral equation formulation is that no boundary conditions ‘at infinity' are required, thus restricting the calculation region to the conductor cross section. The method is applied to superconducting tapes in oblique external fields. A further extension of the theory is shown to be applicable to the calculation of coupling losses in twisted multifilamentary superconductors.     

Reduction of AC losses applying novel resistive interfilamentary carbonate barriers in multifilamentary Bi(2223) tapes

Hysteresis losses and coupling losses, a main component of the AC losses in Bi(2223) tapes, can effectively be reduced by enhancing the resistivity of the matrix material between the filaments and applying a filament twist. Since through alloying the sheath, as using AgAu(8 wt.%), the resistivity can only be raised by a factor <10 (77 K), a new conductor configuration with a quite novel composite matrix having resistive SrCO₃ barriers inside the Ag matrix between the filaments was developed. These new barriers, a cheap and commercial material, withstand the tape annealing, do not react with the superconductor, sinter dense and have a good bonding to Ag. Applying two different preparation techniques for 19 filament prototype tapes, critical current densities up to 20.7 kA cm⁻² were achieved. We report on tape preparation, the effect on the phase texture and the superconducting properties of such barrier tapes.     

Magnetic measurement of transport AC losses in Bi-2223/Ag tapes

Magnetic nature of the losses in superconducting wire carrying AC current implies that it should be possible to determine these losses in a contactless way. Ribbon-like samples are quite favorable for such an experiment, because a notable portion of magnetic flux related to losses ‘escapes' the sample volume and can be detected by an appropriate pick-up coil. In this case, a model describing the AC current penetration into the tape, based, e.g., on the critical state model, allows one to derive the losses from the pick-up coil signal. Because this signal is proportional to the number of coil turns, extension of the accessible range of measured voltages (and losses) can be achieved. We demonstrate the data obtained on a 1 cm long portion of a low-loss multifilamentary tape carrying AC current with frequency 35 Hz. The pick-up coil technique allowed us to reach loss level more than one order below the experimental limit for direct measurements.     

Experimental study on AC losses in Ag sheathed PbBi2223 tapes with twist filaments

Experimental measurements of AC losses were carried out on Ag sheathed PbBi2223 tapes with twisted and untwisted filaments. Losses were measured at 77 K as function of frequency and magnetic field parallel and perpendicular to the tape surface, using appropriate pick-up loops. Both the first and third harmonics of the signal were measured, in order to distinguish between the hysteresis loss and other types of loss. The effect of filaments uncoupling by twisting was clearly identified. For a tape with a twist pitch of 10 mm and I_c=40 A (20 kA cm⁻²) operating at 43 Hz, the filaments are uncoupled in fields less than 40 mT, which is greater than the full penetration field for both the filaments and the tape. Hence, a reduction in the hysteretic loss of the superconducting core is realised at power frequency between 10 and 40 mT. Results form the self-field loss measurement implies the uncoupling of twisted filaments at relative low transport current (I<0.5I_c)     

Temperature dependence of transport ac losses in Bi-2223/Ag multifilamentary tapes

Temperature dependence of transport ac losses in two Bi-2223/Ag multifilamentary tapes with different dc current–voltage characteristics was measured using a lock-in technique at power frequencies. At each temperature, different criteria for critical current determination were used. Comparisons of normalised ac losses with predictions of theoretical models for a tape with elliptical cross-section and a thin strip were made. It was found that the form of the current–voltage characteristic and the critical current criterion play an important role in comparison with theoretical data. A new normalisation procedure of ac loss data is proposed.     

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.     

Estimation of Jc(B) dependence from self-field alternating current (AC) losses measured on Bi-2223/Ag tapes

Transport AC losses measured in self-field conditions on multifilamentary Bi-2223 tapes are often found to be lower than those calculated within the framework of the critical state model for a bulk wire with elliptical cross section, though generally higher than predicted for a strip. This effect is sometimes ascribed to the non-ideal geometry of the tapes, which does not exactly reproduce either shape. Here we propose an alternative explanation assuming that the critical current density of superconducting material depends on magnetic field. In practice, we analyzed the AC loss curve and deduced different I_c values for the individual data points, using the standard Norris equation for elliptical conductor. This gives the relation between ‘calculated' I_c and the self-field associated to AC transport current, which can be regarded as an alternative way to qualify the dependence of J_c on magnetic field. Important is that this procedure covers the range of fields below the self-field at I_c where the measurement in background DC field can not be used to determine J_c(B).     

Twist effect on hysteresis loss in Bi2223 multifilamentary wires exposed to an AC magnetic field

We fabricated Bi2223 multifilamentary sample wires with various twist pitches and investigated the electromagnetic properties experimentally. They showed monofilamentlike electromagnetic properties regardless of twisting due to the contacts among filaments and/or proximity effect. The observed AC losses in the non-twisted sample wire agreed roughly with the theoretical prediction for a homogeneous superconducting slab with the same thickness of the filamentary region on the basis of Irie–Yamafuji model. However the AC losses in the twisted wires deviated from the theoretical ones, especially for the amplitude around the theoretically predicted penetration field of the slab. We showed that the observed AC loss properties can be explained by both the twist effect for the macroscopic shielding current and the contribution of the local shielding current.     

AC transport current loss of assembled conductor of HTS tapes

We study experimentally and theoretically the AC transport current loss characteristics of a tape in multiple tapes assembled in single layer and subject to external field produced by transport currents of adjacent tapes. We measured the AC transport current losses of a Bi2223 silver-sheathed tape in a single layer arrangement of three tapes using our newly developed potential leads arrangement to avoid spurious loss components caused by the magnetization in the adjacent tapes. In the paper, the influence of the external AC field produced by adjacent tapes on the loss characteristics is studied based on the experimental results and theoretical analysis.     

Stability considerations of a high-temperature superconductor tape at different operating temperatures

Stability of a Bi-2223/Ag multifilamentary composite conductor against fast transport current ramps was studied by using a numerical model. The model was based on the two-dimensional magnetic diffusion and heat conduction equations. Calculations were carried out both in an adiabatic mode and pool boiling modes in liquid helium, hydrogen and nitrogen. When estimating the heat load (AC losses), real temperature dependent current density–electric field characteristics were used. The results computed by the finite element method are presented and discussed with special emphasis on differences of the stability considerations between high-temperature and low-temperature superconductors.     

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.     

Magnetic coupling and self-field AC losses of two neighbouring Ag sheathed PbBi2223 tapes

The magnetic interaction between two neighbouring superconducting tapes has significant influences on their self-field AC losses. While the two tapes are independent of each other when separated far apart, they are expected to be fully coupled and behave as a single tape when placed very near. One of the consequences of such coupling is the increase in the self-field loss per tape, which is double of that for an uncoupled tape carrying the same current. In order to assess the interactions among tapes in systems such as a power cable, a better understanding is necessary on the critical distance where the coupling becomes important. Experimental measurements on the self-field losses in two neighbouring Ag sheathed PbBi2223 tapes were carried out with the two tapes separated by various distances, while placed either side by side (side-configuration) or one on top of the other (top-configuration). The results indicates that the critical coupling distance for the top-configuration is about 5 mm, where the increase in loss per tape is about 10%. The critical length for the side-configuration is found to be of the same order of magnitude.     

Spatially-resolved measurement on time-dependent electromagnetic behavior in alternating current carrying coated conductor

Establishment of processing technology for multifilamentary coated conductors (CCs) is a key issue for superconducting electric power applications from the viewpoint of AC loss reduction. On the other hand, CCs sometimes have local inhomogeneity in the superconducting layers, and that will cause a current blocking in a filament or inhomogeneity of critical current among filaments in a multifilamentary CC. Therefore, we need an assessment method for local electromagnetic behavior on AC loss properties of CCs. In this study, we developed a method for visualizing time-dependent AC loss distribution in CCs by using scanning Hall probe microscopy. We succeeded in visualizing local current density, electric field and loss density simultaneously with a spatial resolution of a few hundred micrometers. The measurement system has possible scanning area of 150 × 50 mm² and current capacity of 500 A. This enables us to discuss the local electromagnetic behavior on a practical scale of CCs. We believe that this visualization method will be a very powerful tool to estimate the feasibility of processing technology for multifilamentary CCs.     

Magnetic ac loss in multi-filamentary Bi-2223 / Ag tapes

The ac loss in high-T_c superconducting tapes with twisted and non-twisted filaments has been studied by a magnetic method. A brief overview of the theoretical background and the experimental set-up is presented. Measurements were made at 77 K in a magnetic field of 50 Hz frequency and 0.001–0.7 T amplitude. Application of dc transport current made it possible to distinguish between the loss components, arising from intra-grain and from filament currents. The magnitude of the filament loss component indicates that the filaments are fully coupled, which agrees with theory. In other measurements, the orientation of the external field with respect to the tape was varied. Knowledge of the ac loss in parallel and in perpendicular field is sufficient to predict the ac loss for any intermediate orientations of the field.     

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.     

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.