A model for the current distribution and ac losses in superconducting multi-layer power cables

✍ Scribed by M. Däumling

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 679 KB
• Volume: 39
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0011-2275
• DOI: 10.1016/s0011-2275(99)00087-9

✦ Synopsis

A superconducting cable consisting of a several layers is described theoretically. Discretised equations are given that can be used to describe the current distribution in the cable as a function of cable current. Solutions are worked out for the case of an ideal Bean type II superconductor, taking into account layer current saturation at the critical current I c . The ac loss is shown to exhibit two dierent regimes. In a low current regime the current in each layer is below its respective I c value, resulting in magnetisation hysteresis loss in the presence of simultaneous currents and ®elds. In this regime all layer currents and the local magnetic ®elds are in phase with the externally applied current. As the critical current in a layer is reached it saturates with current and current redistribution occurs and an additional loss mechanism (saturation loss) appears that stems from the distortion of the local current and magnetic ®eld values. Calculated ac loss values are compared to three cables from the literature, and good agreement is found.