Hybrid model of quench propagation in coated conductors for fault current limiters

Abstract

We developed a hybrid model of the quench propagation in coated conductors in current limitation condition. This model combines Finite Element Method to study the thermal behaviour of the coated conductors, and analytical calculation of the heat dissipation. We demonstrate that the evaluation of the heat dissipation can be conducted on a larger mesh than the FEM thermal problem. The results obtained with this model are in very good agreement with the experiments, without the need of using free parameters for adjustment. Parametric studies are then conducted to evaluate the influence of both the substrate thickness and the layer interfaces thermal properties, on the transition propagation behaviour. 3D simulations of a thin superconducting line placed on a wider substrate are also presented. Significant transverse heat propagation is observed in spite of the low thermal conductivity of the substrate, though this has little to no influence on the transition propagation along the line. These results are discussed in the context of FCL design.

Progresses and challenges in the development of high-field solenoidal magnets based on RE123 coated conductors

“…The NZPV and minimum quench energy (MQE) have been measured for CCs test coils in the temperature range A very interesting approach to speed up the NZPV in CCs is based on increased contact resistance between the superconducting layer and the stabilizer/substrate [119]. Indeed the interface next to the superconducting layer appears to be a key player in NZP [120].…”

Resistive-Type Superconducting Fault Current Limiters: Concepts, Materials, and Numerical Modeling

“…However, for 2D systems with J constrained to flow in only one direction reliable solutions for the electromagnetic problem can be achieved, whilst the heat transfer problem is solved via the transient conduction equation. This strategy has been used for describing the electro-thermal properties of single coated conductors [52] - [53], stacks of 2G HTS tapes [54], and 2G HTS coils [55], as active elements of the SFCL. For the sake of simplicity, COMSOL also allows the 1D modelling of SFCL, with differences between the theory and experimental measurements of about 20-40% in 2G HTS tapes, decreasing for the case of MgB2/metal conductors [56].…”

Modeling and Experiment of the Current Limiting Performance of a Resistive Superconducting Fault Current Limiter in the Experimental System

“…Then, to better illustrate the new E-J relationship, ρ-J curves of the new E-J relationship is compared with that of the modified E-J power law and Duron's equation, which is shown in (10) and (11) [27]. ρ sc3 = ρ sc * ρ norm ρ sc + ρ norm (11) As shown in Fig.…”

“…Wan Kan Chan [7][8][9] proposed a 3D micrometer-scale model, which coupled 2D model and 3D model to simulating the quench propagation in both SC tapes and coils under DC conditions. Besides, a hybrid model, which combines the finite element method and a current repartition Matlab function, has also been used to simulate the quench propagation of superconductor [10]. However, the model did not take into account the influence of magnetic field to current redistribution during simulation.…”