The similarities in loss creation in LTS and HTS cables

Abstract

The coupling current losses represent an essential contribution to AC losses in most practical superconducting conductors. The origin of this loss type is well known, being caused by induced currents in different loops consisting of superconducting and non-superconducting parts. However, the `current pattern' in different conductor types (strands, flat or round cables, more complicated cable structures, CICC) varies appreciably. These differences are mainly due to geometrical effects (size and shape of filaments and/or strands, their spatial distribution, conductor aspect ratio, demagnetization effects). Although the general knowledge about AC losses in low temperature cable structures is by far not complete (mainly at higher frequencies, in inhomogeneous fields and for inhomogeneous cable structure), an attempt is made to summarize those results which can be adopted to high T c conductors and some remarks are made about new features of AC losses in these conductor types.