Analysis of AC Losses Due to Current Ripple in MgB Wires With Helicoidal Transformation Method

Magnesium diboride (MgB2) presents a promising solution for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective long-distance direct current (DC) power transmission. Its low cost, high critical temperature (39 K), and compatibility with liquid hydrogen cooling are particularly advantageous. However, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) superconducting cables face electrodynamic losses due to current ripples from AC/DC conversion, necessitating meticulous cryogenic system design to mitigate these losses. This study employs Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis to investigate the electrodynamic losses in MgB2 wires under varying current conditions, utilizing a 2D Helicoidal Transformation Method-based model and the open-source solver GetDP. The analysis includes the nonlinear ferromagnetic properties of the wire’s Nickel and Monel matrix, revealing that loss dynamics are significantly influenced by the electromagnetic behavior of the stabilizers. By assessing loss contributions across different materials at operational frequencies typical for DC cables, the study provides insights for optimizing MgB2 superconducting wires in DC power transmission applications.