Magnetization loss characteristics in a stack of Bi-2223 tapes

The AC loss is an important issue in the design of high-T_c superconducting power devices such as transformers and cables. In these devices many Bi-2223 tapes are closely stacked together and exposed to alternating magnetic fields that can have different orientations with respect to a tape. In such arrangement the magnetization loss is influenced by the screening current induced in adjacent tapes and thus different from that in a single tape. This stacking effect was experimentally investigated by measuring the magnetization loss in a stack, which consists of a number of tapes. First the magnetization loss in the single tape was measured in order to confirm the reliability of the loss data measured in the stack. The results for the single tape coincide well with the loss characteristics described in other previous works. For the stack in parallel and longitudinal magnetic fields the measured loss is independent of both the number of tapes and stacking type. The longitudinal magnetization loss is well explained rather by the slab model for decoupled filaments. For the tall stack in perpendicular field the measured loss at low fields is greatly decreased, compared to the loss of the single tape. However the loss at high fields is unaffected. These loss behaviors in the tall stack are well described by the slab model for full coupling.