Modelling Analysis of a Self-Switching Rectifier Flux Pump Using a Field-Circuit Coupling Method
IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol.36, no.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 36 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1109/tasc.2026.3674958
- Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Keywords: copper stabilizer, field-circuit coupling, Flux pump, HTS modeling, power efficiency, self-rectifier
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
High-Temperature superconducting (HTS) self-switching flux pumps can inject direct current into closed-loop HTS coils without electrical contacts. Targeting practical application, this work investigated the charging capability, losses, and efficiency of the flux pump, explicitly capturing current sharing effect in the bridge tape based on a field-circuit coupled model. This pa per focuses on four key design factors: The peak value and duty ratio of input primary-side positive current, secondary (series) resistance, and the copper stabilizer thickness of the bridge tape. The results showed that increasing the positive peak value of primary current can increase charging speed and the pumped current, while the secondary resistance exhibits an optimal value. Variations in the positive duty ratio highlight a trade-off between the pumped current, secondary-side efficiency, initial ramp rate, and ripple level. Finally, changes in the copper stabilizer mainly influence the current-sharing effect of the bridge tape and the bridge voltage, with associated impact on charging performance and efficiency. The modelling framework and findings derived from these studies provide practical guidance for parameter selection and prototype design of the self-switching flux pump.