Development of a 600 A HTS current lead using modular design

The paper reports about the development and fabrication of a 600 A HTS current lead prototype. Main focus of this task was an economic and robust design. Thus we used a fiberglass housing, also providing electrical insulation, replaceable parts and common soldering technology. The HTS part was made from an YBCO bar fabricated according to the ATZ in-house Ceramo Crystal Growth technology. Due to mechanical reasons and to reach a sufficient low contact resistance, a bar had to be used which had a far higher transport current carrying capability than the required 600 A. The measurements at low temperatures showed, that the chosen design is suitable for application. Especially advantages for high current applications can be expected.