HTS REBCO
High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets with REBCO
HTS magnets, often built using REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide) superconducting materials, offer several technical advantages over conventional low-temperature superconducting magnets. Here are some of the key technical advantages of REBCO HTS magnets:
Higher Critical Temperature (Tc): REBCO superconductors have a critical temperature above 77 K, which is significantly higher than the critical temperatures of traditional low-temperature superconductors. This means that REBCO HTS magnets can operate at higher temperatures, reducing the complexity and cost of cryogenic cooling systems.
Higher Magnetic Field Strength (B-field): REBCO HTS magnets can achieve higher magnetic field strengths compared to conventional magnets, up to 100 T. The combination of higher critical current densities (Jc) and critical magnetic fields (Hc) allows REBCO magnets to generate stronger magnetic fields for a given size and weight.
Improved Current Carrying Capacity (Jc): REBCO superconductors exhibit high critical current densities, allowing them to carry larger electrical currents without experiencing resistance. This characteristic enables the construction of compact and powerful magnets that can produce strong magnetic fields even with relatively small cross-sectional areas.
Efficient and Compact Design: The high current-carrying capacity and strong magnetic field generation of REBCO HTS magnets allow for compact and efficient designs. This is particularly beneficial in applications where space is limited, such as in medical imaging devices like MRI machines.
Rapid Quench Recovery: HTS materials like REBCO have faster quench recovery times compared to low-temperature superconductors. In the event of a quench (a sudden transition to a resistive state), the recovery time is shorter, reducing downtime and potential damage to the magnet.
Reduced Cooling System Complexity: Due to the higher critical temperature of REBCO, HTS magnets can be operated using less complex and expensive cryogenic cooling systems. Some REBCO magnet designs can operate using liquid nitrogen as the coolant, which is more readily available and less expensive than the liquid helium required for low-temperature superconductors.
Higher Operational Stability: REBCO HTS magnets are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations and minor disturbances that can cause transitions to a resistive state. This makes them more stable during operation and requires less active control to maintain superconducting conditions.
REBCO tape - architecture
REBCO tape, short for "Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide tape," refers to a type of superconducting tape that is used in various applications, particularly in the field of high-temperature superconductivity. This type of tape is based on the high-temperature superconducting material REBCO, which stands for Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide. REBCO materials are known for their ability to maintain superconductivity at relatively higher temperatures compared to traditional superconductors. It has four main layers, substrate, buffer layer, superconducting layer (REBCO), and Ag cap.
REBCO microstructure
The microstructure of REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide) materials plays a crucial role in determining their superconducting properties and overall performance. The microstructure refers to the arrangement, size, and distribution of different phases and components within the material at a microscopic scale. In the context of REBCO, the microstructure influences factors like critical current density, flux pinning behavior, and mechanical stability.
Quench controlled test, 95% retention
Relationship between macroscopic quench and microscopic material structure
SEM images to explore microscopic images
REBCO material surface zoom-in, 10 nm to 1 mm scale.
REBCO conductor has demonstrated highest critical current density at very high magnetic fields
REBCO superconductors excel in carrying strong electrical currents in high magnetic fields due to their exceptional critical current density (Jc) and critical magnetic field (Hc). This makes them ideal for applications like particle accelerators, fusion research, and high-field magnets in medical imaging and scientific research. Their performance enables more powerful and efficient magnet systems, offering benefits in terms of size, stability, and precision.
More REBCO manufactures are coming...
More companies, lower price, and long length of REBCO tape. Existing and coming HTS REBCO manufactures.
Faraday Factory Japan
Super Power Inc
Fujikura
MetOx
HTS and other superconductors
REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide), NbTi (Niobium Titanium), and NbSn3 (Niobium Tin-3). These materials are used in various applications where superconductivity is required. Here's a comparison based on certain characteristics:
Critical Temperature (Tc):
REBCO: REBCO materials have a high critical temperature, often above 77 K, which allows them to be used at relatively higher temperatures compared to other superconductors.
NbTi: NbTi has a much lower critical temperature of around 9 K.
NbSn3: NbSn3 has a critical temperature of approximately 18 K.
Critical Magnetic Field (Hc):
REBCO: REBCO materials exhibit high critical magnetic fields, allowing them to withstand strong magnetic fields.
NbTi: NbTi has a moderate critical magnetic field, which makes it suitable for applications involving medium-strength magnetic fields.
NbSn3: NbSn3 has a high critical magnetic field, making it useful in high-field applications.
Critical Current Density (Jc):
REBCO: REBCO materials have relatively high critical current densities, allowing them to carry high electrical currents without resistance.
NbTi: NbTi has lower critical current density compared to REBCO, especially at higher temperatures.
NbSn3: NbSn3 has a moderate to high critical current density, depending on the specific composition and conditions.
Mechanical Properties:
REBCO: REBCO tapes and wires can be brittle and challenging to handle due to their ceramic nature.
NbTi: NbTi is more ductile and can be wound into coils more easily.
NbSn3: NbSn3 is relatively brittle but can be processed into wires and tapes with care.
Applications:
REBCO: REBCO materials are used in applications requiring high magnetic fields, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particle accelerators, and high-field magnets.
NbTi: NbTi is commonly used in applications like superconducting magnets for MRI machines and in some high-energy physics experiments.
NbSn3: NbSn3 is often used in applications involving medium to high magnetic fields, including fusion research and certain medical and scientific equipment.
Fabrication and Cost:
REBCO: Fabrication of REBCO materials can be complex and costly due to the processing involved in creating high-quality films and tapes.
NbTi: Fabrication of NbTi wires and tapes is relatively simpler and more cost-effective compared to REBCO.
NbSn3: Fabrication of NbSn3 superconductors can be challenging due to the need for precise stoichiometry and processing techniques.
In summary, the choice of superconducting material depends on the specific requirements of the application, including operating temperature, magnetic field strength, critical current, and cost considerations. REBCO is favored for high-field applications requiring higher temperatures, while NbTi and NbSn3 are used in various applications where lower temperatures and moderate to high magnetic fields are involved.