Numerical Analysis on AC Transport Losses of High Temperature Superconducting Wires and Cables

Abstract

AC transport loss properties of high temperature superconducting wires and cables were investigated using numerical calculations based on Norris theory. Loss behaviors for the wires with several cross-sections were examined. From the results of calculations for the wires, it appears that the losses for most of the wires are parallel to the cube of current amplitude, although the losses for hollow tapes show anomalous behavior. These results explain the experimental results of previous studies for the superconductor wires. In addition, influences of the cable structure on the loss values for the models of parallel-conductors cables composed of a single-layer or a double-layer configuration using superconductor tapes were also investigated to obtain a guide for design and construction of power cables toward a reduction of transport losses. From the results of calculations, it becomes clear that the superconductor tapes in the cables show strong edge effect, so that the losses for the cables arc mainly generated from the edges of the superconductor tapes. In addition, it is indicated that decreasing distance between adjacent tapes in the cylindrical cables inhibits the edge effect and lowers the AC transport losses of the cables.