Numerical analysis of steady-state heat conduction behavior in high-temperature superconductor Roebel cable

Abstract

In this work, the steady-state heat transfer characteristics of REBCO tape and impregnated Roebel cable are studied numerically. By establishing three-dimensional finite element models of tape and impregnated cable, the temperature-dependent equivalent thermal conductivities of REBCO tapes and impregnated Roebel cables are estimated based on numerical homogenization technique. Effects of different geometric and material parameters are discussed. The steady-state heat transfer characteristics of a transposed tape in Roebel cable are further investigated. The equivalent thermal conductivities of REBCO tape or impregnated cable show strong anisotropy. Various sensitivities to geometric and material parameters are observed in equivalent thermal conductivities. The total heat flux distribution of the transposed tape is closely related to the Roebel angle and the curvature radius at outer corner or inner corner of this region. The corresponding structure and components should be optimized in actual application.