Showing papers in "Superconductor Science and Technology in 2006"

Numerical solution of critical state in superconductivity by finite element software

Abstract: A numerical method is proposed to analyse the electromagnetic behaviour of systems including high-temperature superconductors (HTSCs) in time-varying external fields and superconducting cables carrying AC transport current. The E–J constitutive law together with an H-formulation is used to calculate the current distribution and electromagnetic fields in HTSCs, and the magnetization of HTSCs; then the forces in the interaction between the electromagnet and the superconductor and the AC loss of the superconducting cable can be obtained. This numerical method is based on solving the partial differential equations time dependently and is adapted to the commercial finite element software Comsol Multiphysics 3.2. The advantage of this method is to make the modelling of the superconductivity simple, flexible and extendable.

A Review of the Properties of Nb3Sn and Their Variation with A15 Composition, Morphology and Strain State

Abstract: Significant efforts can be found throughout the literature to optimize the current-carrying capacity of Nb3Sn superconducting wires. The achievable transport current density in wires depends on the A15 composition, morphology and strain state. The A15 sections in wires contain, due to compositional inhomogeneities resulting from solid-state diffusion A15 formation reactions, a distribution of superconducting properties. The A15 grain size can be different from wire to wire, and is also not necessarily homogeneous across the A15 regions. Strain is always present in composite wires, and the strain state changes as a result of thermal contraction differences and Lorentz forces in magnet systems. To optimize the transport properties, it is thus required to identify how composition, grain size and strain state influence the superconducting properties. This is not possible accurately in inhomogeneous and spatially complex systems such as wires. This article therefore gives an overview of the available literature on simplified, well-defined (quasi-)homogeneous laboratory samples. After more than 50 years of research on superconductivity in Nb3Sn, a significant amount of results are available, but these are scattered over a multitude of publications. Two reviews exist on the basic properties of A15 materials in general, but no specific review for Nb3Sn is available. This article is intended to provide such an overview. It starts with a basic description of the niobium–tin intermetallic. After that, it maps the influence of Sn content on the electron–phonon interaction strength and on the field–temperature phase boundary. The literature on the influence of Cu, Ti and Ta additions will then be summarized briefly. This is followed by a review of the effects of grain size and strain. The article concludes with a summary of the main results.

Progress towards all-chemical superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-coated conductors

Abstract: Chemical solution deposition (CSD) has recently emerged as a very competitive technique for obtaining epitaxial films of high quality with controlled nanostructure. In particular, the all-CSD approach is considered to be one of the most promising approaches for cost-effective production of second-generation superconducting wires. The trifluoroacetate (TFA) route is a very versatile route for achieving epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) layers with high critical currents. In this work, recent advances towards improvement of the performance of several conductor architectures based on the YBCO TFA process will be presented. We show that new improved anhydrous TFA precursors allow a significant shortening of the pyrolysis time (~1.5 h), and we have increased the total film thickness in a single deposition using polymeric additives. On the other hand, further understanding of the YBCO nucleation and growth process has allowed us to obtain a controlled microstructure and high critical currents (Jc≈4–5 MA cm−2 and Ic≈300 A cm−1 width at 77 K). The growth conditions (CSD) and post-processing conditions (sputtering and CSD) for the underlying oxide cap and buffer layers (CeO2, BaZrO3, SrTiO3, La2Zr2O7, (La,Sr)MnO3) and of self-organized nanostructures (CeO2, BaZrO3) deposited by CSD have been investigated to obtain high-quality interfaces in multilayered systems. Different single-crystal or metallic substrates (YSZ-IBAD (yttrium stabilized zirconia-ion beam assisted deposition) and Ni-RABiT (rolling assisted biaxial texturing)) have been investigated and long (≈10 m) CSD biaxially textured buffers (CeO2, La2Zr2O7) have been grown on Ni-RABiT substrates using a reel-to-reel system. High-performance TFA-YBCO-coated conductors have been obtained on vacuum-based buffer layers (Ic≈140 A cm−1 width) and on CSD buffer layers grown on IBAD YSZ-SS (stainless steel) substrates. Finally, we report on recent analysis of the magnetic granularity and vortex pinning properties of TFA-YBCO conductors.

Magnetic penetration depth in unconventional superconductors

Abstract: This topical review summarizes various features of magnetic penetration depth in unconventional superconductors. Precise measurements of the penetration depth as a function of temperature, magnetic field and crystal orientation can provide detailed information about the pairing state. Examples are given of unconventional pairing in hole- and electron-doped cuprates, organic and heavy fermion superconductors. The ability to apply an external magnetic field adds a new dimension to measurements of penetration depth. We discuss how field-dependent measurements can be used to study surface Andreev bound states, nonlinear Meissner effects, magnetic impurities, magnetic ordering, proximity effects and vortex motion. We also discuss how measurements of penetration depth as a function of orientation can be used to explore superconductors with more than one gap and with anisotropic gaps. Details relevant to the analysis of penetration depth data in anisotropic samples are also discussed.

A general scaling relation for the critical current density in Nb3Sn

Abstract: Sn wires and include recent findings on the variation of the upper critical field (Hc2) with temperature (T) and A15 composition. Measurements of Hc2(T) in inevitably inhomogeneous wires, as well as analysis of literature results, have shown that all available Hc2(T) data can be accurately described by a single relation from the microscopic theory. This relation also holds for inhomogeneity averaged, effective, Hc2*(T) results and can be approximated by , with t = T/Tc. Knowing Hc2*(T) implies that Jc(T) is also known. We highlight deficiencies in the Summers/Ekin relations, which are not able to account for the correct Jc(T) dependence. Available Jc(H) results indicate that the magnetic field dependence for all wires from T up to about 80% of the maximum Hc2 can be described with Kramer's flux shear model, if nonlinearities in Kramer plots when approaching the maximum Hc2 are attributed to A15 inhomogeneities. The strain () dependence is introduced through a temperature and strain dependent Hc2*(T,) and Ginzburg–Landau (GL) parameter κ1(T,) and a strain dependent critical temperature Tc(). This is more consistent than the usual Ekin unification of strain and temperature dependence, which uses two separate and different dependences on Hc2*(T) and Hc2*(). Using a correct temperature dependence and accounting for the A15 inhomogeneities leads to the remarkably simple relation , where C is a constant, s() represents the normalized strain dependence of Hc2*(0) and h = H/Hc2*(T,). Finally, a new relation for s() is proposed, which is an asymmetric version of our earlier deviatoric strain model and based on the first, second and third strain invariants. The new scaling relation solves a number of much debated issues with respect to Jc scaling in Nb3Sn and is therefore of importance to the applied community, who use scaling relations to analyse magnet performance from wire results.

Solution-derived textured oxide thin films—a review

Abstract: Thin film growth by a non-vacuum deposition technique, namely, the chemical solution deposition (CSD) method, is reviewed with emphasis on the growth of various oxide films and their properties. Various aspects of the solution chemistries for the different routes are discussed, and the effects of solution precursor properties on the conversion of the as-deposited film to the desired phase are also discussed. Crystal structures and functional properties common to many oxide materials are briefly reviewed.

Effect of aromatic hydrocarbon addition on in situ powder-in-tube processed MgB2 tapes

Abstract: We fabricated in situ powder-in-tube processed MgB2/Fe tapes using the aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, naphthalene, and thiophene as additives, and investigated the superconducting properties. We found that these aromatic hydrocarbons were very effective for increasing the Jc values. The Jc values of 20 mol% benzene-added tapes reached 130 A mm−2 at 4.2 K and 10 T. This value was almost comparable to that of 10 mol% SiC-added tapes and about four times higher than that of tapes with no additions. Microstructural analyses suggest that this Jc enhancement is due to both the substitution of carbon for boron in MgB2 and the smaller MgB2 grain size.

Influence of boron powder purification on the connectivity of bulk MgB2

Abstract: A key issue affecting the critical current density of MgB2 is the lack of full electrical connectivity. In situ MgB2 wires can be easily fabricated by reacting Mg powder with amorphous B powder, but such powders normally contain impurities such as B2O3 as a result of exposure to air. Here we introduce a practical method for removing B2O3 prior to making MgB2. X-ray diffraction and microstructure analysis show that removing B2O3 results in a decrease in MgO from 5.3 to 1.5 mol% in the final reacted MgB2. Normal state transport measurements using the Rowell analysis indicate that the active current-carrying area fraction (AF) increased from ~0.25 to ~0.48 in MgB2 made with purified B. These results demonstrate that intergranular MgO is an important current barrier in MgB2 and that it can be significantly reduced by boron purification.

Biomagnetism using SQUIDs: status and perspectives

Abstract: Biomagnetism involves the measurement and analysis of very weak local magnetic fields of living organisms and various organs in humans. Such fields can be of physiological origin or due to magnetic impurities or markers. This paper reviews existing and prospective applications of biomagnetism in clinical research and medical diagnostics. Currently, such applications require sensitive magnetic SQUID sensors and amplifiers. The practicality of biomagnetic methods depends especially on techniques for suppressing the dominant environmental electromagnetic noise, and on suitable nearly real-time data processing and interpretation methods. Of the many biomagnetic methods and applications, only the functional studies of the human brain (magnetoencephalography) and liver susceptometry are in clinical use, while functional diagnostics of the human heart (magnetocardiography) approaches the threshold of clinical acceptance. Particularly promising for the future is the ongoing research into low-field magnetic resonance anatomical imaging using SQUIDs.

Flux pinning enhancement in YBa2Cu3O7−x films with BaSnO3 nanoparticles

Abstract: Nanoparticles of BaSnO3 were incorporated into YBa2Cu3O7?x (YBCO) films on LaAlO3 substrates for magnetic flux pinning enhancements. More than an order of magnitude improvement in the high field magnetization Jc at 6?T at 77?K was observed as compared to regular YBCO films. The irreversibility field (Hirr) was increased to 8.5?T at 77?K and to 13.4?T at 65?K. The in-field transport current measurements confirmed an order of magnitude improvement in high fields. The angular dependence of the Jc data at 1?T showed that is 1.3 times higher than indicating the presence of c-axis correlated defects. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed the presence of a large density of uniformly distributed ~10?nm sized BaSnO3 precipitates and strain fields around them. A dual sector pulsed laser deposition target is used to produce the films, thus eliminating reactions between BaSnO3 and YBCO during the target preparation stage, but may allow the BaSnO3 to react locally and create defects that act as pinning centres.

Transverse load optimization in Nb3Sn CICC design; influence of cabling, void fraction and strand stiffness

Abstract: We have developed a model that describes the transverse load degradation in Nb3Sn CICCs, based on strand and cable properties, and that is capable of predicting how such degradation can be prevented. The Nb3Sn cable in conduit conductors (CICCs) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) show a significant degradation in their performance with increasing electromagnetic load. Not only do the differences in the thermal contraction of the composite materials affect the critical current and temperature margin, but mostly electromagnetic forces cause significant transverse strand contact and bending strain in the Nb3Sn layers. Here, we present the model for transverse electro-magnetic load optimization (TEMLOP) and report the first results of computations for the ITER type of conductors, based on the measured properties of the internal tin strand used for the toroidal field model coil (TFMC). As input, the model uses data describing the behaviour of single strands under periodic bending and contact loads, measured with the TARSIS set-up, enabling a discrimination in performance reduction per specific load and strand type. The most important conclusion of the model computations is that the problem of the severe degradation of large CICCs can be drastically and straightforwardly improved by increasing the pitch length of subsequent cabling stages. It is the first time that an increase of the pitches has been proposed and no experimental data are available yet to confirm this beneficial outcome of the TEMLOP model. Larger pitch lengths will result in a more homogeneous distribution of the stresses and strains in the cable by significantly moderating the local peak stresses associated with the intermediate-length twist pitches. The twist pitch scheme of the present conductor layout turns out to be unfortunately close to a worst-case scenario. The model also makes clear that strand bending is the dominant mechanism causing degradation. The transverse load on strand crossings and line contacts, abbreviated as contact load, can locally reach 90 MPa but this occurs in the low field area of the conductor and does not play a significant role in the observed critical current degradation. The model gives an accurate description for the mechanical response of the strands to a transverse load, from layer to layer in the cable, in agreement with mechanical experiments performed on cables. It is possible to improve the ITER conductor design or the operation margin, mainly by a change in the cabling scheme. We also find that a lower cable void fraction and larger strand stiffness add to a further improvement of the conductor performance.

Control of nano carbon substitution for enhancing the critical current density in MgB2

Abstract: The effects on transition critical temperature, lattice parameters, critical current density, and flux pinning of doping MgB2 with carbon nanoparticles, were studied for bulk, wire and tape under a wide range of processing conditions. Under the optimum conditions, magnetic Jc was enhanced by two orders of magnitude at 5 K for a field of 8 T, and by a factor of 33 at 20 K for a field of 5 T for bulk samples, whereas enhancement by a factor of 5.7 was observed in the transport Ic at 12 T and 4.2 K for a wire sample. Samples sintered at high temperature (900 and 1000 °C) exhibited excellent Jc, approximately 10 000 A cm−2 in fields up to 8 T at 5 K. This result indicates that flux pinning was enhanced by the carbon substitution for B with increasing sintering temperature. Highly dispersed nanoparticles are believed to enhance the flux pinning directly, in addition to the introduction of pinning centres by carbon substitution. Nano-C is proposed to be one of the most promising dopants besides SiC and CNT for the enhancement of flux pinning for MgB2 in high fields.

Optimization of the BaZrO3 concentration in YBCO films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract: YBCO films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition from nanocrystalline targets doped with different concentrations of BaZrO3 ranging from c = 0.9 to 9.0 wt%. The critical temperature of the films decreases almost linearly with increasing BaZrO3 content whereas the critical current density shows a maximum near 3.9 wt%. In comparison with undoped YBCO films the accommodation field B* is considerably enhanced and the critical current density is improved in high fields in the films doped with BaZrO3, e.g. for c = 3.9 wt% by factor of 4.5 in a field of 5 T at 5 K. In the doped films the BaZrO3 particles grow epiaxially with YBCO. Transmission electron microscopy results show that the density of the BaZrO3 particles increases with increasing doping but the particle size remains practically the same (5–10 nm).

Improved critical current densities in B 4 C doped MgB 2 based wires

Abstract: An improvement of the transport critical current density, Jc, of MgB2 wires was obtained after the addition of 10 wt% B4C powders, after reaction at 800 °C: Jc values of 1 × 104 A cm−2 at 4.2 K and 9 T were obtained for wires of 1.11 mm diameter in a Fe matrix. The starting mixture of Mg and B was doped with submicrometric B4C, the ratio being Mg:B:B4C = 1:2:0.08, corresponding to 10 wt% B4C. For T>800 °C, a decrease of Jc was found, due to the reaction with the Fe sheath. In order to investigate the origin of the improvement of the transport properties for heat treatments up to 800 °C, x-ray diffraction measurements were performed. A decrease of the lattice constant a from 3.0854 to 3.0797 A was found, thus suggesting an effect of the substitution of carbon on the properties of the wires. A comparison with the literature data shows that the addition of B4C powders leads to the second highest improvement of Jc reported so far after SiC, thus constituting an alternative for future applications.

Development of a synchronous motor with Gd–Ba–Cu–O bulk superconductors as pole-field magnets for propulsion system

Abstract: Rotating machines with high-temperature superconductors (HTS) usually consist of pole-field magnets having coils wound with Bi-2223 HTS wire. We have successfully used Gd–Ba–Cu–O bulk HTS in pole-field magnets in an axial-gap type rotating machine. These HTS pole-field bulk magnets were assembled in the rotor plate. They are cooled down with a liquid cryogen supplied via a rotary joint and circulated inside the rotor plate. The present design provides a small air gap and a bulk HTS gives a high magnetic field around the armature coils. Successful mechanical design has enabled us to magnetize the pole-field bulk to more than 1 T by using a pulsed current applied to the copper armature coils. These techniques imply the possibility of smaller and lighter rotating motors or generators with a HTS bulk magnet for a sub-megawatt class propulsion system. We report several essential techniques for both mechanical and cryogenic designs, and deduce the characteristic features of the present axial-gap type machine using a HTS bulk magnet.

Growth of high-quality large-area MgB2 thin films by reactive evaporation

Abstract: We report a new in situ reactive deposition thin film growth technique for the production of MgB2 thin films which offers several advantages over all existing methods and is the first deposition method to enable the production of high-quality MgB2 films for real-world applications. We have used this growth method, which incorporates a rotating pocket heater, to deposit MgB2 films on a variety of substrates, including single-crystalline, polycrystalline, metallic, and semiconductor materials up to 4 inch in diameter. This technique allows growth of double-sided, large-area films in the intermediate temperature range of 400–600 °C. These films are clean, well-connected, and consistently display Tc values of 38–39 K with low resistivity and residual resistivity values. They are also robust and uncommonly stable upon exposure to atmosphere and water.

Investigation of thick PLD-GdBCO and ZrO2 doped GdBCO coated conductors with high critical current on PLD-CeO2 capped IBAD-GZO substrate tapes

Abstract: In order to increase the critical current, Ic, we have fabricated thick GdBa2Cu3O7?? (GdBCO) coated conductors (CCs) by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method on PLD-CeO2/ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD)-Gd2Zr2O7 (GZO)/hastelloy metal substrate tapes. The highest critical current value was 522?A?cm?1 for a thickness of 3.6??m in self-field at 77?K. It was found that a low volume fraction of a-axis orientated grains was obtained in the thick GdBCO CCs, compared to YBa2Cu3O7?? (YBCO) CCs. Consequently, the GdBCO CCs showed higher critical current density (Jc) than YBCO CCs in all thicknesses from 0.2 to 3.6??m. Furthermore, we have succeeded in improving Ic in a magnetic field by the introduction of artificial pinning centres using a 5?mol% ZrO2 doped GdBCO target. In the measurement of the Ic dependence on the magnetic field angle, ?, Ic was much improved, especially at 0?, i.e., with the magnetic field parallel to the c-axis. The Ic value at 3?T was 59.5?A?cm?1 at 0? and it showed a minimum of 42.3?A?cm?1 at 82? for 2.28??m thick CC. The minimum value in the angular dependence of Ic at 3?T was about five times higher than that of YBCO CC and two times higher than that of pure GdBCO CC.

Acid anhydrides: a simple route to highly pure organometallic solutions for superconducting films

Abstract: The presence of impurities in the precursor metal carboxylate solutions for the preparation of epitaxial thin films by metal organic decomposition (MOD) is substantially avoided by the use of acid anhydrides. In particular, trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) was used for the synthesis of the starting Y, Ba and Cu trifluoroacetates used in YBa2Cu3O7?x (YBCO) preparation by the MOD process. In this way, highly stable organometallic precursors and a short pyrolysis process could be used leading to YBCO films with high critical currents (Jc ?2?4?MA?cm?2 at 77?K). Furthermore, the reproducibility of the results has been ascertained.

Improving flux pinning of MgB2 by carbon nanotube doping and ultrasonication

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an excellent candidate for introducing effective pinning centres and at the same time enhancing the upper critical field of MgB2. We report on the use of a low intensity ultrasonication as a method of dispersion of CNTs into precursor magnesium and boron powder. The ultrasonication improved homogenous mixing of CNTs with the MgB2 matrix. Ultrasonication of CNT doped MgB2 resulted in a significant enhancement in the field dependence of critical current density. The density of the sample increased due to the improved adherence between CNTs and MgB2 matrix. CNTs donate carbon that is substituted for boron in MgB2.

MgB2 bulk and tapes prepared by mechanical alloying : influence of the boron precursor powder

Abstract: The influence of the quality of boron precursor powder on the microstructure and superconducting properties of MgB2 bulk samples and tapes was investigated. The nominal purity specified by the suppliers considers only metallic impurities and is not sufficient for the characterization of the boron precursor powder. Oxygen impurities and the grain size of the B precursor powder were found to affect Tc and the microstructure of the MgB2 tapes. The microstructure was investigated by SEM and TEM. Grains in the boron precursor powders were either nanocrystalline or crystalline, with grain sizes varying between 110 and 500 nm. MgB2 precursor powder was prepared by mechanical alloying, which resulted in a small, 20–60 nm, MgB2 grain size of bulk samples. Bulk samples showed the highest MgB2 phase fraction and a critical current density of 4.7 × 104 A cm−2 (at 20 K, 1 T) if boron precursor powder with small grain size and small fraction of metallic impurities was used. Such powder also yielded compact tapes and required lower annealing temperatures for the MgB2 phase formation. The typical critical current densities of the tapes were 5.0 × 104 A cm−2 (at 20 K, 3 T) and were significantly better than those of samples reported recently. These results underline the importance of mechanical alloying for enhancing the critical current density of MgB2 tapes. Summarizing, the phase content, the density and the superconducting properties of MgB2 bulk and tapes depend on the choice of boron precursor powder.

Mechanisms of weak thickness dependence of the critical current density in strong-pinning ex situ metal?organic-deposition-route YBa2Cu3O7?x coated conductors

Abstract: We report on the thickness dependence of the superconducting characteristics including critical current Ic, critical current density Jc, transition temperature Tc, irreversibility field Hirr, bulk pinning force plot Fp(H), and normal state resistivity curve ρ(T) measured after successive ion milling of ~1 µm thick high-Ic YBa2Cu3O7−x films made by an ex situ metal–organic deposition process on Ni–W rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrates (RABiTSTM). In contrast to many recent data, mostly on in situ pulsed laser deposition (PLD) films, which show strong depression of Jc with increasing film thickness t, our films exhibit only a weak dependence of Jc on t. The two better textured samples had full cross-section average Jc,avg (77 K, 0 T) ~4 MA cm−2 near the buffer layer interface and ~3 MA cm−2 at full thickness, despite significant current blocking due to ~30% porosity in the film. Taking account of the thickness dependence of the porosity, we estimate that the local, vortex-pinning current density is essentially independent of thickness, while accounting for the additional current-blocking effects of grain boundaries leads to local, vortex-pinning Jc values well above 5 MA cm−2. Such high local Jc values are produced by strong three-dimensional vortex pinning which subdivides vortex lines into weakly coupled segments much shorter than the film thickness.

Formation and pinning properties of growth-controlled nanoscale precipitates in YBa2Cu3O7−δ/transition metal quasi-multilayers

Abstract: To study the possibility of enhancing the pinning forces in YBa2Cu3O7?? films through the introduction of nanosized precipitates, quasi-multilayers of YBa2Cu3O7?? and a transition metal (TM = Ti,Zr,Hf) were deposited on single-crystal SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed laser deposition. The transition metal layer thickness was chosen to be less than one unit cell, resulting in separated nanoscale islands that form inclusions with perovskite structure BaTM O3 during film growth. These inclusions grow biaxially textured within the film. Whereas the Ti-doped films show a very strong decrease in the critical temperature Tc and, hence, a strong decrease in the critical current density Jc with increasing TM amount for all temperatures, Hf and Zr doping show an increase in Jc for the smallest amounts of doping. An irreversibility field as high as 10.3?T at 77?K was observed in the case of low Hf content.

Improved Jc of MgB2 superconductor by ball milling using different media

Abstract: In this paper, the effects of ball milling boron (B) powders using different media, such as acetone, ethanol, and toluene, on the superconducting properties of MgB2 have been studied. It was observed that toluene medium was the most effective of them all for enhancing Jc. Jc was estimated to be 5 ? 103?A?cm?2 at 8?T and 5?K. This value is much higher than that of pure MgB2 that was not ball milled, by a factor of 20. It was considered that ball milling B using toluene leads to smaller MgB2 grains, resulting in enhanced Jc at low operating temperature and high field.

YBCO/Ag boundary resistivity in YBCO tapes with metallic substrates

Abstract: The quality of the contact between a YBCO layer and the protective silver coating is an important parameter affecting the current transfer between YBCO and the normal metal. We studied experimentally the quality of this contact in 6 mm wide YBCO-coated conductor with a critical current of ~60 A at 77 K. The measured current transfer length for the original sample of a YBCO-coated conductor covered by ~3 µm thick silver and for the same sample additionally laminated by a 25 µm thin copper layer was 0.19 and 0.47 mm, respectively. The contact resistivity determined from these experiments was between 3.7 × 10−11 and 7.0 × 10−12 Ω m2. A direct measurement of the resistance between two overlapped tapes soldered by indium yielded values between 2.5 × 10−12 and 5 × 10−12 Ω m2. The boundary resistance and current transfer length are important parameters for the design of the optimal tape architecture for coils and windings, especially for stability issues.

A study of the status and future of superconducting magnetic energy storage in power systems

Abstract: Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems offering flexible, reliable, and fast acting power compensation are applicable to power systems to improve power system stabilities and to advance power qualities. The authors have summarized researches on SMES applications to power systems. Furthermore, various SMES applications to power systems have been described briefly and some crucial schematic diagrams and equations are given. In addition, this study presents valuable suggestions for future studies of SMES applications to power systems. Hence, this paper is helpful for co-researchers who want to know about the status of SMES applications to power systems.

Tuning of the critical current in YBa2Cu3O 7-x thin films by controlling the size and density of Y 2O3 nanoislands on annealed SrTiO3 substrates

Abstract: We introduced high density columnar defects, as artificial pinning centres (APCs) for quantized vortices, into YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) films during the film deposition procedure. APCs were introduced perpendicular to the film surface using nanosized Y2O3 islands prepared on SrTiO3(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Varying the deposition parameters and the substrate annealing conditions allowed strong changes in the shape and density of the Y2O3 islands to be induced. The best performance among the APC samples as compared to the pure YBCO film was obtained for that grown on the Y2O3-deposited substrate with five laser pulses, corresponding to 0.2 Y2O3 monolayers (ML). Even when the 0.2 ML APC films were prepared using the same deposition conditions, the columnar defects enhanced Jc at 77 K from 1.8 to 2.7 MA cm−2 (self-field) and from 0.06 to 0.10 MA cm−2 (H = 5 T).

Highlights of coated conductor development in Japan

Abstract: Coated conductors using RE–Ba–Cu–O (RE: rare earth element) superconductors have been expected to be used in many electric power applications since they have a high critical current density at liquid nitrogen temperature even under high magnetic fields. Many efforts have been made in development of processing for a long coated conductor with high superconducting performance. In Japan, the new five-year national project for development of coated conductor processing was started in FY2003 and was scheduled until the end of FY2007. The expected goals in this project are 500 m long tapes with a high Ic value of 300 A cm−1 W−1 at a production rate of 5 m h−1 etc. The progress in recent years is remarkable, such as long tapes over 100 m in length with high Ic values of over 100 A cm−1 W−1. The long tapes have been successfully realized by not only one institution but several. Additionally, a solenoid type magnet and a power cable using YBCO conductors have already been demonstrated as one of the preliminary results for applications. For the future plans of coated conductor applications, the following power devices using coated conductors have been proposed: (1) power cable, (2) transformer, (3) motor, (4) fault current limiter, (5) cryocooler and so on.

Current status and future prospect of the Nb-based fabrication process for single flux quantum circuits

Abstract: The Superconductivity Research Laboratory has successfully fabricated large quantities of single flux quantum (SFQ) large scale integrated circuits, including several thousands of Josephson junctions (JJs). Using a Jc = 2.5 kA cm−2 process in which the number of Nb layers was four and the minimum JJ size was 2 µm square. We developed a new advanced fabrication process that produced a Jc = 10 kA cm−2, nine Nb layers and a minimum JJ size of 1 µm square. The increase in the number of Nb layers was achieved by using a planarization technique. The target of our next generation process is a Jc = 40 kA cm−2 with a 0.5 µm square for the minimum junction size. This specification will be achieved by using advanced semiconductor technologies. This process will enable SFQ circuits to be produced with one million JJs on a chip and achieve a clock frequency greater than 100 GHz.

Transport properties of multifilamentary, in situ route, Cu-stabilized MgB2 strands: one metre segments and the Jc(B,T) dependence of short samples

Abstract: The transport critical current density (Jc) was measured at 4.2 K for MgB2 monofilamentary and 7-, 19-, and 37-stack multifilamentary strands. Simple, one-step heat treatments (HT) were used, with temperatures of 675 and 700 °C, and times from 10–40 min. Most measurements were performed on 1 m segments of strands wound onto barrel holders. Transport properties of monofilament, 7-, 19-, and 37-stack strands were compared, and the influence of CuNi and monel outer sheaths was investigated. HT optimization studies were performed on various strands. Transport Jcs of 0.8 mm OD strands reached 2 × 105 A cm−2 at 4 T and 4.2 K (1 µV cm−1), and 1.15 × 106 A cm−2 at 4.2 K and zero field. Smaller 10-filament wires with ODs as small as 0.25 mm (40 µm filaments) exhibited good performance in some cases. The temperature and field dependences of the transport Jc were also measured; a typical example was 2 × 104 A cm−2 at 4 K, 20 T.

Low-noise ultra-high-speed dc SQUID readout electronics

Abstract: User-friendly ultra-high-speed readout electronics for dc superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are presented. To maximize the system bandwidth, the SQUID is directly read out without flux modulation. A composite preamplifier is used consisting of a slow dc amplifier in parallel with a fast ac amplifier. In this way, excellent dc precision and a high amplifier bandwidth of 50 MHz are achieved, simultaneously. A virtual 50 Ω amplifier input resistance with negligible excess noise is realized by active shunting, i.e., by applying feedback from preamplifier output to input via a high resistance. The white voltage and current noise levels are 0.33 nV Hz−1 and 2.6 pA Hz−1/2, respectively. The electronics is fully computer controlled via a microcontroller integrated into the flux-locked loop (FLL) board. Easy-to-use software makes the various electronic settings accessible. A wide bias voltage range of 1.3 mV enables the readout of series SQUID arrays. Furthermore, additional current sources allow the operation of two-stage SQUIDs or transition edge sensors. The electronics was tested using various SQUIDs with input inductances between 30 nH and 1.5 µH. Typically, the maximum FLL bandwidth was 20 MHz, which is close to the theoretical limit given by transmission line delay within the FLL. Slew rates of up to 4.6 Φ0 µs−1 were achieved with series SQUID arrays. Current noise levels as low as 0.47 pA Hz−1/2 and coupled energy sensitivities between 90 h and 500 h were measured at 4.2 K, where h is the Planck constant. The noise did not degrade when the system bandwidth was increased to the maximum value of about 20 MHz. With a two-stage set-up, intrinsic white energy sensitivities of 30 h and 2.3 h were measured at 4.2 and 0.3 K, respectively.