Insulation system for high temperature superconductor cables

Large-scale superconductor applications, like fusion magnets, require high-current capacity conductors to limit system inductance and peak operating voltage. Several cabling methods using high temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes are presently under development so that the unique high-field, high-current-density, high operating temperature characteristics of 2nd generation REBCO coated conductors can be utilized in next generation fusion devices. Large-scale magnets are generally epoxy impregnated to support and distribute electromagnetic stresses through the magnet volume. However, the present generation of REBCO coated conductors are prone to delamination when tensile stresses are applied to the broad surface of REBCO tapes; this can occur during epoxy cure, cooldown, or magnet energization. We present the development of an insulation system which effectively insulates HTS cabled conductors at high withstand voltage while simultaneously preventing the intrusion of the epoxy impregnant into the cable, eliminating degradation due to conductor delamination. We also describe a small-scale coil test program to demonstrate the cable insulation scheme and present preliminary test results.