Simulation and experiment of AC loss on YBCO tapes and coils in HTS Maglev system

Abstract

In the process of running high temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev train，the alternating current (AC) loss of superconducting coils is directly related to its safety and operating cost. In this paper, based on the finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics and AC loss experiment platform of HTS, combined with the actual current of the coils of maglev train which can be thought as superimposing a dynamically adjusted AC component on a steady-state direct current (DC) component, we simulated and measured the AC losses of Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) tape and coils in fact. Measurement data and simulation data are basically consistent with each other. The results shows that AC loss was not positively correlated with the given DC steady-state current. And it is demonstrated that AC loss had some local extreme points for tapes and coils. If we could decrease AC loss by avoiding the extreme points, we would greatly reduce the energy consumption and the material cost of HTS maglev train.