The Need

Long superconducting and cryoresistive cables are critical for emerging applications such as electric aircraft and high-capacity power transmission. However, localized hot spots can lead to catastrophic failure within milliseconds, and current detection methods are slow, complex, and intrusive. These approaches often require extensive instrumentation that disrupts cooling and fluid flow, making them impractical for multi-kilometer cables. A fast, reliable, and minimally invasive detection system is urgently needed to ensure safety and operational integrity.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed a novel RF-based detection system that leverages the periodic corrugated structure of a cable conduit and the dielectric properties of its cooling fluid. When a hot spot forms, localized vaporization dramatically alters the dielectric permittivity, changing the characteristic impedance of the cable-conduit system. These changes are rapidly detected using short radiofrequency pulses and a vector network analyzer, enabling real-time monitoring without additional instrumentation that obstructs cooling or fluid flow.

Commercial Applications

• Superconducting power transmission cables for grid integration
• Cryogenic electrical systems in large electric aircraft
• High-performance computing and quantum systems requiring cryogenic cabling
• Industrial cryogenic power distribution networks

Benefits/Advantages

• Rapid detection: Enables near-instant identification of hot spots before burnout occurs
• Non-intrusive: No added sensors or waveguides that restrict cooling or fluid flow
• Scalable: Effective for multi-kilometer cable lengths without complex instrumentation
• Versatile: Compatible with superconducting, cryoresistive, and resistive cable systems