High Temperature Superconductor Quick Disconnect

High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables offer major advantages over the conventional copper cables currently used to reduce the magnetic signatures of Navy ships. A degaussing system utilizing HTS cables would be smaller, lighter, and cost less to install than current systems. However, new connector technology is needed before HTS systems can be installed and operated in Navy ships. Creare proposes a High Temperature Superconductor Quick Disconnect (HTSQD) that will address the Navy’s needs. Our design goals for the connector are to minimize heat leak, to minimize electrical resistance, and to design the connector for ease of installation. In Phase I of this project we proved the feasibility of our proposed approach by demonstrating a low-resistance demountable joint, and by preparing a preliminary design for a robust, easy-to-install HTSQD connector that has an acceptable heat leak. In Phase II we will design and fabricate HTSQD prototypes for performance testing and possible installation in a shipboard demonstration system. In the proposed Option Phase, we will develop a second-generation connector prototype incorporating lessons learned during development and testing of the first prototype. This project is a part of a larger effort to develop a complete HTS Degaussing System for Navy ships.