On Using Meissner Effect to Conceive a New Linear Electromagnetic Launcher by Zero-Field-Cooling YBCO Bulk Superconductors

Abstract

A new YBCO superconducting linear propulsion system that uses the Meissner effect for thrust is proposed. A YBCO bulk is used in the vehicle, which is excited synchronous with a magnetic field traveling wave. The propulsion system's model is developed using a magnetic circuit method and the Maxwell stress tensor analysis. The vehicle acceleration and thrust force characteristics previewed from that model are verified and analyzed by practical measurements and a set of essays using the prototype built in our laboratory. Major errors came for thermally activated flux creep and current conduction in the YBCO during its passage through the excitation system. The total magnetic field at the superconductor's surface decreases, reducing thrust force. Despite these secondary effects, achieved results show the potential of this new approach for future electric propulsion systems.

Experimental Setup and Efficiency Evaluation of Zero-Field-Cooled (ZFC) YBCO Magnetic Bearings

“…Why this value and why it allowed us to achieve enough precise conclusions? As previously verified by us in [11], to the point of view of a magnetic circuit, the YBCO from "CAN Superconductors" gave force values with good precision relative to the measured ones when using 2 . 0   r .…”

“…This implies significant hysteresis losses due to the magnetic flux trapping. In [11], to drop them, it was proposed a linear electromagnetic launcher with propulsion forces using Meissner effect based on ZFC technique. In [12,13], it was proposed a linear HTS magnetic levitation system based on the ZFC technique with guidance.…”

Proposal of a Novel Design for Linear Superconducting Motor Using 2G Tape Stacks

“…UPERCONDUCTING second generation (2G) tapes are manufactured by depositing a RE-Ba-Cu-O (where RE is a rare earth material) ceramic layer of 1~2 µm thickness above a metallic substrate. Commercial 2G tapes with 12 mm wide and a total thickness of 0.1 mm can present a critical current of 600 A at 77 K and self-field 1,2,3 . Those properties make the 2G tapes a promising material to be used in power electric equipment, including electric machines.…”

“…Those properties make the 2G tapes a promising material to be used in power electric equipment, including electric machines. Several designs of superconducting motors and generators have been previously presented in the literature [1][2][3]. In most part of the published works the superconducting material was arranged in the form of coils; however, bulk superconductor with trapped field can also be used for electric machines [4][5][6].…”

Viability of a frictionless bearing with permanent magnets and HTS bulks

“…The FC technique implies significant hysteresis losses due to the magnetic flux trapping. In [14] it is proposed a linear electromagnetic launcher with a propulsion forces using Meissner effect based on ZFC technique. In [7,15] it is proposed a linear HTS magnetic levitation system based on the ZFC technique with guidance.…”