[JAC316] AC Loss Analysis of a CORC Cable

Overview

The reduction of AC losses is a critical consideration when designing Conductor on Round Core (CORC®) cables, which are the hope for a next-generation of high-current density conductors.
The penetration angle of the magnetic field and the electromagnetic bonding between tape sheets largely affects the losses that occur in CORC cables. The pitch is also a factor that influences the losses when wrapping the tape wire in a helical structure. Clarifying the mechanisms producing the losses helps improve the reliability of designs for superconducting equipment.
This case study evaluates the changes in losses produced in CORC cables with different pitches by a transverse magnetic field.

Loss

Fig. 1 presents the losses in the superconducting and stabilizing layers. Fig. 2 illustrates the critical current density distribution of the superconducting layer. Fig. 3 indicates the current density distribution of the stabilizing layer.
As shown in Fig. 1, the 19 mm pitch produces higher losses in the superconducting layer, while the 57 mm pitch has higher losses in the stabilizing layer. These characteristics results in a trade-off between the losses in the superconducting layer or stabilizing layer when choosing a pitch length.
As illustrated by Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the superconducting layer has higher losses at the 19 mm pitch due to the larger tape volume (length) when the pitch is smaller and the drop in the critical current density at the end parts. The stabilizing layer has higher losses at the 57 mm pitch due to the longer current pathways through the stabilizing layer due to the longer pitch.