Electromagnetic Modelling and AC-Losses of SuperconductingPower Cables

Superconductivity, a phenomenon once regarded as a scientific enigma, has evolved into a cornerstone of modern electromagnetic innovation. This part of the thesis covers the initial curiosity that led to its discovery in 1911 and introduces the fundamentals of superconductivity, exploring their macroscopic properties and the notable recognition of type-I and type-II variants. This section further examines the development of high-temperature superconductors and their respective electromagnetic behaviours, highlighting their key applications in chapter 1.1 and chapter 1.2, which discuss superconducting cables such as Roebel cables, helicoidally wound cables (also known as Conductor on a Rounded Core or CORC®), and twisted-stacked tape cables (TSTC). These are analysed in terms of their design, functionality, and practical applications within the power transmission and fusion energy sectors. The concept of AC-losses is thoroughly detailed, including how these losses are experimentally observed and how Maxwell’s equations are applied to describe and predict the behaviour of superconducting phenomena within chapter 1.3. The overarching aims of the thesis are presented in chapter 1.4, providing a contextual framework for the discussions throughout the thesis. With the foundational knowledge established in chapter 1, chapter 2 builds on these principles to provide a comprehensive explanation of the macroscopic electromagnetic modelling of superconductors using the widely adopted H-formulation. This thorough introduction lays the groundwork for the subsequent parts of the thesis, which will delve deeper into the electromagnetic modelling and AC-losses of these advanced superconducting power cables.