Fast evaluation of the critical current of high-temperature superconducting coils based on the integral method

The need for energy is growing as civilization develops. Superconductors have various benefits over regular conductors, including a high current-carrying density and nearly no resistance. Therefore, the objective that scientists continue to seek is the use of superconductors to replace traditional conductors in order to satisfy the demand for energy. As a key part of the superconducting electrical system, the critical current is one of the key properties of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils. Scholars have created a variety of numerical simulation models to estimate the performance of HTS coils. However, the extremely nonlinear E–J power law relationship that characterizes the voltage–current relationship in superconducting materials necessitates numerous iterative refinements during the coil design stage, which is time-consuming from the perspective of computing efficiency. Consequently, it is essential to increase computational efficiency. In this study, the critical current of HTS coils was calculated using the J model (integral method with the current density J as the state solution variable), and it was proved to be an efficient research method. The accuracy of the method is verified by comparing with the H model and the experimental measurement results of the critical current of the HTS coil. Moreover, compared with the reference finite element simulation model, this model has a speed advantage of at least four times, which is a good choice, especially, for HTS circular coils with large turns.