Current Distribution Modeling in the Open-Source OPENSC2 Tool for the Multi-Physics Analysis of HTS and LTS Cables

In the framework of Open Science, the OPENSC(2)open-source object-oriented software for multi-physics analysis has been developed to simulate the operating transients in forced-flow superconducting cables for fusion and power applications. Due to high magnetic fields and transport currents involved, the dissipated power by Joule effect and AC losses can compromise the thermal stability of the superconductors, so that the electromagnetic problem comes intrinsically with the thermal-hydraulic one. The numerical current distribution model, recently developed for OPENSC2, is reported here. After the solution verification and validation, followed by benchmarks against other software and experimental data, a first coupling with the thermal-hydraulic transients has been tested and reported in this work.

Automated summary

This paper presents the development of OPENSC(2), an open-source software for simulating the operating transients in forced-flow superconducting cables. The software takes into account the thermal stability of the superconductors and the thermal-hydraulic problem, and reports the numerical current distribution model and the results of coupling with thermal-hydraulic transients.