Numerical Modeling of AC Loss in HTS Coated Conductors and Roebel Cable Using T-A Formulation and Comparison with H Formulation

With recent advances in second-generation high temperature superconductors (2G HTS) and cable technologies, various numerical models based on finite-element method (FEM) have been proposed to help interpret measured AC loss and assist cable design. The T-A formulation, implemented in COMSOL, shows great potential for reducing the overall computation costs. In this paper, the performance of the T-A formulation for calculating the AC loss of coated superconductors and cables were assessed and compared against the widely accepted H formulation, with benchmark model of a single REBCO tape in 2D/3D and a 14-strand Roebel cable. Evaluation and comparison on key metrics including the computation time, the number of degrees of freedom and the numerical accuracy were presented, which could provide a reference for researchers in applying the T-A formulation for AC loss calculation

Vortex shaking study of REBCO tape with consideration of anisotropic characteristics

The second generation high temperature superconductor, specifically REBCO, has become a new research focus in the development of a new generation of high-field (>25 T) magnets. One of the main challenges in the application of the magnets is the current screening problem. Previous research shows that for magnetized superconducting stacks and bulks the application of an AC field in plane with the circulating current will lead to demagnetization due to vortex shaking, which provides a possible solution to remove the shielding current. This paper provides an in-depth study, both experimentally and numerically, to unveil the vortex shaking mechanism of REBCO stacks. A new experiment was carried out to measure the demagnetization rate of REBCO stacks exposed to an in-plane AC magnetic field. Meanwhile, 2D finite element models, based on the E–J power law, are developed for simulating the vortex shaking effect of the AC magnetic field. Qualitative agreement was obtained between the experimental and the simulation results. Our results show that the applied in-plane magnetic field leads to a sudden decay of trapped magnetic field in the first half shaking cycle, which is caused by the magnetic field dependence of critical current. Furthermore, the decline of demagnetization rate with the increase of tape number is mainly due to the cross-magnetic field being screened by the top and bottom stacks during the shaking process, which leads to lower demagnetization rate of inner layers. We also demonstrate that the frequency of the applied AC magnetic field has little impact on the demagnetization process. Our modeling tool and findings perfect the vortex shaking theory and provide helpful guidance for eliminating screening current in the new generation REBCO magnets

Vortex shaking study of REBCO tape with consideration of anisotropic characteristics

The second generation high temperature superconductor, specifically REBCO, has become a new research focus in the development of a new generation of high-field (>25 T) magnets. One of the main challenges in the application of the magnets is the current screening problem. Previous research shows that for magnetized superconducting stacks and bulks the application of an AC field in plane with the circulating current will lead to demagnetization due to vortex shaking, which provides a possible solution to remove the shielding current. This paper provides an in-depth study, both experimentally and numerically, to unveil the vortex shaking mechanism of REBCO stacks. A new experiment was carried out to measure the demagnetization rate of REBCO stacks exposed to an in-plane AC magnetic field. Meanwhile, 2D finite element models, based on the E-J power law, are developed for simulating the vortex shaking effect of the AC magnetic field. Qualitative agreement was obtained between the experimental and the simulation results. Our results show that the applied in-plane magnetic field leads to a sudden decay of trapped magnetic field in the first half shaking cycle, which is caused by the magnetic field dependence of critical current. Furthermore, the decline of demagnetization rate with the increase of tape number is mainly due to the cross-magnetic field being screened by the top and bottom stacks during the shaking process, which leads to lower demagnetization rate of inner layers. We also demonstrate that the frequency of the applied AC magnetic field has little impact on the demagnetization process. Our modeling tool and findings perfect the vortex shaking theory and provide helpful guidance for eliminating screening current in the new generation REBCO magnets

Screening current induced magnetic field and stress in ultra-high-field magnets using REBCO coated conductors

Abstract Rare-earth-based barium copper oxide (REBCO) coated conductors are promising candidates for the development of ultra-high-field (UHF) magnets, due to its high in-field performance, engineering current density, tensile strength and commercial availability. However, technological challenges pertaining to the large screening currents still remain. The major issues caused by the screening currents in REBCO conductors in UHF applications involve two aspects: the screening current induced magnetic field (SCF), and the screening current induced stress (SCS). In the past decades, extensive research has been devoted to the SCF, offering a variety of possible remedies. With latest advances in the construction and testing of UHF magnets, new observations of the SCF involving REBCO coils were reported. The SCS was identified in recent years and has raised growing concerns. The excessive and highly concentrated Lorentz force, rooted in the high magnetic field and the screening currents, poses threats to the mechanical strength of REBCO coated conductors. The aim of this paper is to review recent research efforts in understanding and tackling the screening current related technological issues. For the SCF, we focus on the latest observations in high-field experiments and its various mitigation methods. For the SCS, we present recent studies including experimental characterizations, numerical modelling and possible countermeasures. It is still an open question to precisely predict the SCS in large-scale HTS magnets. How to minimize the influence of SCF and SCS is one of the key technical challenges for the design of future UHF magnets.</jats:p

Effect of Pitch Parameters on Aerodynamic Forces of a Straight-Bladed Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Inclined Pitch Axes

Pitch regulation plays a significant role in improving power performance and achieving output control in wind turbines. The present study focuses on a novel, pitch-regulated vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with inclined pitch axes. The effect of two pitch parameters (the fold angle and the incline angle) on the instantaneous aerodynamic forces and overall performance of a straight-bladed VAWT under a tip-speed ratio of 4 is investigated using an actuator line model, achieved in ANSYS Fluent software and validated by previous experimental results. The results demonstrate that the fold angle has an apparent influence on the angles of attack and forces of the blades, as well as the power output of the wind turbine. It is helpful to further study the dynamic pitch regulation and adaptable passive pitch regulation of VAWTs. Incline angles away from 90° lead to the asymmetric distribution of aerodynamic forces along the blade span, which results in an expected reduction of loads on the main shaft and the tower of VAWTs.</jats:p

Effect of Pitch Parameters on Aerodynamic Forces of a Straight-Bladed Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Inclined Pitch Axes

Pitch regulation plays a significant role in improving power performance and achieving output control in wind turbines. The present study focuses on a novel, pitch-regulated vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with inclined pitch axes. The effect of two pitch parameters (the fold angle and the incline angle) on the instantaneous aerodynamic forces and overall performance of a straight-bladed VAWT under a tip-speed ratio of 4 is investigated using an actuator line model, achieved in ANSYS Fluent software and validated by previous experimental results. The results demonstrate that the fold angle has an apparent influence on the angles of attack and forces of the blades, as well as the power output of the wind turbine. It is helpful to further study the dynamic pitch regulation and adaptable passive pitch regulation of VAWTs. Incline angles away from 90° lead to the asymmetric distribution of aerodynamic forces along the blade span, which results in an expected reduction of loads on the main shaft and the tower of VAWTs

Overview of Magnetic Confinement Controlled Nuclear Fusion Reactors and Superconducting Magnet Technologies

ObjectivesMagnetic confinement fusion is regarded as a critical solution to future global energy challenges. As the central component of magnetic confinement fusion devices, magnets play a crucial role in generating and sustaining plasma stability. A review of the magnetic system structures and specifications in representative magnetic confinement fusion devices worldwide was provided.MethodsThe technological evolution of fusion magnets was reviewed, from copper-based to low-temperature superconducting, and finally to high-temperature superconducting magnets. The structure and performance parameters of magnetic systems in various typical fusion devices were summarized systematically. Additionally, the technical challenges in magnet development were explored and an outlook on future development trend was offered.ConclusionsAdvances in magnet technology are vital for enhancing the performance of fusion devices and accelerating the commercialization of fusion energy. With the increasing application of high-temperature superconducting materials and continuous optimization of magnet designs, the practical realization of fusion energy is becoming increasingly feasible