Applied Superconductivity for Electrical Systems

Objectives

In the end of the course, the student should have acquired knowledge, skills and competences that will allow him/her:

- Understanding the fundamental concepts and phenomena of superconductivity and superconducting materials.

- Understanding the particularities of the different types of superconducting materials (high and low temperature, type I and type II).

- Being able to perform thermodynamic calculations related to the project of cryogenic systems.

- Being able to analyse systems with superconducting materials by the finite elements method.

- Knowing the main applications of high temperature superconductors in electrical energy systems (generation, transmission, distribution, use and energy storage).

- Conceiving and performing calculations relatively to the preliminary design of superconducting applications in electric energy systems.

- Knowing the main experimental techniques associated to superconductivity, for the measurement of electromagnetic properties.

General characterization

Code

12715

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

João Miguel Murta Pina

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 56

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Knowledge of Physics and Electrotechnics adequate to an MSc course in Electrical and Computers Engineering.

Bibliography

  • Y. Wang, “Fundamental Elements of Applied Superconductivity in Electrical Engineering”, John Wiley & Sons, 2013
  • Yukikazu Iwasa, "Case Studies in Superconducting Magnets Design and Operational Issues", Springer, 2009 (available at https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/b112047)
  • J. Murta Pina, “Desenho e Modelização de Sistemas de Energia Empregando Materiais Supercondutores de Alta Temperatura”, PhD Thesis (in Portuguese), FCT NOVA, 2010.
  • Several papers and websites made available throughout the semester.

Teaching method

The distinct concepts, techniques and theories are explained by the lecturer with the support of slides and demonstrators available at FCT NOVA (in the theoretical classes), with which students execute laboratory or demonstration activities (in practical classes). These are prepared for the classes by the lecturer, and the latter allow verifying or analysing distinct behaviours and operation regimes.

Students assess their skills through semiautonomous resolution of sets of problems, available in the slides, as well as small projects related with the subjects.

Evaluation is made by means of small projects made in the classes (30% of the final grade), two individual tests on Moodle (30% of the final grade), and one group project, focusing one practical case of the application of superconductivity in electrical energy systems, including its presentation and discussion (up to three elements, 40% of the final grade).

If required, teaching will be in English.

Evaluation method

Assessment components:

  • Small projects performed at practical classes: 40% of the grade
  • Individual test: 30% of the grade (or final exam, 30% of the grade)
  • Final project (group, maximum of three people): 30% of the grade
Frequency:
  • Participation in practical demonstrations
  • A minimum grade of 10 on the arithmetic average of practical projects
  • A minimum grade of 10 on the test or final exam
  • A minimum grade of 10 on the final project

Subject matter

- Fundamental properties of superconductivity.

- Superconducting materials and their manufacturing processes.

- Experimental techniques in cryogenic environment.

- AC losses.

- Simulation of superconducting systems by finite elements.

- Cryogenic systems.

- Superconducting applications for the generation, transmission, distribution, use and electrical energy storage: case studies and modelling.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: