Design of Warm Dielectric Terminations and Nodes for High Temperature Superconducting Power Cables

Design concepts of warm dielectric terminations for high temperature superconducting (HTS) cables in electric transportation applications are discussed. The need for terminations that serve as nodes where multiple HTS cables come together is underscored. The paper discussed the need for effective and efficient designs of cable terminations to minimize the thermal loads on the cryogenic system, and to achieve high power density at the overall system level. Conceptual designs of warm dielectric cable terminations based on commercial components are presented. Experimental data of surface discharge and flashover measurements on commercial ceramic electric breaks are discussed to argue the suitability of such components in the termination designs of medium voltage HTS distribution systems on electric aircraft and ships.