空间运行中传导冷却超导直流电缆的初步实验验证

Abstract The conduction-cooled superconducting power cable is regarded as a reliable approach for power transmission in future unmanned space environments. This method employs a cryogenic refrigerator for heat conduction cooling and does not require the regular provision of additional coolant to ensure long-term efficient and stable operation of space power systems. Unfortunately, this device has yet to be validated for operation under relevant usage conditions. This paper establishes an implementation scheme and research findings for a conduction-cooled high-temperature superconducting cable system designed for a vacuum environment. The system comprises two cryocoolers and a conduction-cooled high-temperature superconducting (HTS) DC cable enclosed within a vacuum chamber. It performs functions such as charging tests, temperature and critical current data acquisition, and thermal monitoring. The thermal characteristics of the cable during precooling and current-carrying operations are systematically measured and analysed, and the current-carrying capacity of the cable is comprehensively evaluated. Additionally, the response characteristics of the refrigerator under varying current conditions are elucidated. These experimental results affirm the potential of conduction-cooled superconducting cables for stable operation in space power transmission.