Numerical Study of AC Loss Characteristics in a Three-Phase Superconducting Induction Pump

The superconducting induction pump is a pumping system which moves electro-conductive liquid by using electromagnetism. It has the potential to be applied as the power system for the submarine propulsion and the pumping system for nuclear reactors. Since alternating current may generate more heat in the superconducting winding, it is extremely essential to analyze AC loss characteristics of the pumping system to avoid quenching phenomenon of superconducting tapes. In this article, a 2D-axisymmetric model of an annular linear induction pump which is composed of superconducting coils has been established by using T-A formulation. AC loss of superconducting coils under self-field and external alternating magnetic field have been studied. Meanwhile, the influence of some essential parameters such as the transmission current, coil turns have been analyzed as well. Results show that the arrangement position of coils in the pump plays an important role in determining the the AC loss of the superconducting winding. Meanwhile, self-field of the superconducting coils seems to have larger influence on the AC loss characteristics than the external alternating field. In conclusion, mechanism and relevant action laws of AC loss characteristics in the superconducting linear induction pump transported with three-phase alternating current and under the condition of external background AC field have been found in this article.