Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Analysis of Terminations for Gaseous-Helium-Cooled High-Temperature Superconducting Power Cables

Abstract

A three-dimensional finite-element method computational model has been developed for the terminations of a gaseous-helium-cooled superconducting power cable. The model combines turbulent flow physics coupled with heat transfer in fluids and solids and Joule heating. The model can be used to map the termination to identify the locations with the largest temperature gradients, and the design can be optimized to minimize those gradients in an iterative way through multiple simulations. The model also allows for a drastic reduction in time for new design iterations of the physical termination with optimal thermal and fluid characteristics. This paper presents the details of the modeling methodology, and the results are compared with experimental data to show how modern computing power can solve complicated and highly detailed multiphysics simulations to reduce engineering design time.