Evaluation of loss of current leads for HTS power apparatuses

This paper evaluates the losses of current leads made of various metals used in high-Tc superconducting power apparatuses operating at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The heat flow into liquid nitrogen conducting adiabatic current leads was measured by the nitrogen boil-off method. The results were used to derive average Lorenz numbers for metals between room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperatures. The average Lorenz number is a good index of performance of current leads. A theory of loss evaluation of current leads using the average Lorenz number and a method for the optimum current lead design were described as well. In addition, the loss of current leads made of Bi2223/Ag tape conductors was evaluated above the liquid nitrogen temperature, and a higher efficiency was achieved than with pure metal current leads.