Progress and Prospects of Cryogenic Thermal Control Technology for Space Power Transmission Systems Based on High-Temperature Superconducting Cables

Abstract

As spacecraft continue to advance in scale, performance, and capabilities, their operational power requirements are projected to rise from kilowatts to megawatts or even gigawatts with voltages reaching the megavolt level. Under such conditions, traditional copper-based power transmission systems will incur substantial energy losses, resulting in an increase in both size and mass. Conversely, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables exhibit zero resistance and enable high-capacity transmission at liquid nitrogen temperatures, thereby facilitating lossless power and presenting significant potential for space application. The unique challenges presented by the space environment necessitate the development of specialized cryogenic thermal control systems (CTCSs) specifically designed for space-based HTS cables, underscoring the need for targeted research on CTCSs. This study presents a CTCS that employs pulse tube cryocoolers for cryocooling, cryogenic loop heat pipes for heat transfer, and cryogenic insulation technology to minimize parasitic heat leakage. A comprehensive examination of space cryogenic technologies, an analysis of existing problems, and a discourse on prospective research are presented.