Numerical Modelling of Superconducting Power Devices

Numerical modelling of superconducting technologies can help estimate losses for a device under specified conditions. In Addition, the models can provide access to observables and information that is difficult or even impossible to measure in experiments. They are also useful for describing temperature changes in high temperature superconducting (HTS) conductors, thereby helping to identify critical points for the safe operation of the device. This is especially relevant as one of the critical issues in designing practical components with long-length HTS conductors is their stability against fault currents, especially their coolant temperature profiles.

Research topics

Advances in superconductor technologies make the prospect of economical operation of HTS power devices a practical concept for grid applications in urban centers. With more advanced designs being developed and commercialized, their complex systems and dynamic behavior are becoming increasingly complicated to model. This brings new challenges as the complex designs of HTS technologies significantly increases the computation power needed to perform simulations. Developing optimized simulation tools, which capture the main non-linear properties of HTS materials and devices, to be deployed in a power hardware in loop environment and power systems simulators poses a major challenge today.

Research goals

We concentrate our efforts on fast and optimized algorithms for numerical modeling of superconducting applications with emphasis on the electromagnetic and thermal behavior of HTS materials. Finite difference as well as lumped parameter methods are employed frequently. Results of optimized algorithms for HTS cables and SFCL devices developed by our team indicate efficient, stable and powerful simulation code. Besides that, the models are able to deliver results at scale with quantities that are difficult to access experimentally. Therefore, one of our objectives is the development of a simulation method for HTS transformers and machines.