Performance evaluation of high-temperature superconducting current leads for micro-SMES systems

As part of the US Department of Energy's Superconductivity Technology Program, Argonne National Laboratory and Superconductivity, Inc., are developing high-temperature superconductor (HTS) current leads for application to micro-SMES systems. Two 1500 A HTS leads have been designed and constructed. A component performance evaluation program was conducted to confirm performance predictions and/or to qualify the design features for construction. The evaluations included HTS characteristics, demountable electrical connections, and heat intercept effectiveness. The performance of current lead assemblies is being evaluated in a zero-magnetic-field test program that included assembly procedures, tooling, and quality assurance; thermal and electrical performance; and flow and mechanical characteristics. The leads were installed in a liquid helium test cryostat and connected at their cold ends by a current jumper. The leads were heat intercepted with a cryocooler.< >