Thermal propagation analysis of 2G HTS stacked wires based on a dimensional coupling method

Abstract

Stacked structures of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes are usually employed to enhance current-carrying capacity in cable or magnet applications, but their multilayer characteristics may result in local hot spots due to uneven cooling. Besides, the inconsistencies along the length of tapes introduced during manufacturing process and the significant transverse Lorentz forces experienced in magnet operations can lead to weak parts, bringing uncertainties to thermal stability. Finite-element methods are widely used to predict thermal propagations, but 3D models encounter challenges such as distorted mesh elements and convergence issues, particularly when combining electromagnetic and heat transfer modules for long-distance wires. In this work, we have developed a Dimensional Coupling Method (DCM) to assess the thermal impact of weak parts in stacked wires applying coupled 1D and 2D models. The 2D model analyzes the electromagnetic and heat characteristics of stacked surfaces, and provides an initial heat source for the 1D model, which evaluates thermal propagation longitudinally. Simulation results of the 1D module are then transferred back to update the 2D outcomes. Models of distinct dimensions are coupled sequentially in physical steps but simultaneously in the time domain. Our approach is verified by 3D model benchmarks and offers a computational cost reduction of approximately 60 % compared to the benchmarks, making it more suitable for applications with large I_op/I_c ratios. Specially, multi-layer stacked wires under low ratios cases are also been analyzed. What’s more, two influencing factors of heat propagation, the weak-part length and position, are also investigated.