IEC 61788-13:2012

Overview

IEC 61788-13:2012 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on superconductivity and the measurement of AC losses specifically in superconducting multifilamentary composites. This standard details magnetometer methods used to measure hysteresis loss in copper/nickel-titanium (Cu/Nb-Ti) multifilamentary superconducting wires. Designed for measurements at or near 4.2 K, the standard covers procedures utilizing superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) or vibrating-sample magnetometers (VSMs) for high-precision, low-ramp-rate magnetic field applications.

As a part of the IEC 61788 series on superconductivity, this second edition replaces the 2003 version and introduces technical revisions to extend applicability beyond Cu/Nb-Ti composites. It also emphasizes the usage of "uncertainty" in quantitative statistical reporting, replacing the terms "precision" and "accuracy" for clarity and consistency.

Key Topics

• Hysteresis loss in superconductors: Defines AC loss due to irreversible magnetization effects in superconducting composites.
• Magnetometer methods for AC loss measurement: Procedures using VSM and SQUID magnetometers for low frequency or DC magnetic field ramps.
• Test specimen specifications: Focused on round multifilamentary wires with temperature control at liquid helium temperatures (~4.2 K).
• Measurement precision and uncertainty: Detailed guidance on handling uncertainties in magnetometry data to ensure reliable loss quantification.
• Extension to general superconductors: Annex B elaborates on adapting these magnetometer methods for other superconducting materials and geometries.
• Calibration and specimen preparation: Includes important parameters such as specimen size, shape corrections, magnetic field uniformity, and background subtraction to optimize measurement accuracy.
• Standardized test reporting: Specifies comprehensive reporting requirements to ensure consistency and reproducibility of hysteresis loss data.

Applications

IEC 61788-13:2012 is invaluable for researchers, engineers, and manufacturers involved in:

• Development and optimization of superconducting wires: Especially Cu/Nb-Ti multifilamentary composites used in magnets and power applications.
• Quality control and characterization of superconducting materials: Precise hysteresis loss measurements help assess wire performance under varying magnetic fields.
• Design and testing of superconducting magnets: Low AC loss is critical in applications like MRI machines, particle accelerators, and fusion reactors.
• Cryogenic measurement environments: Measurements near 4.2 K align with practical operating conditions of many superconducting systems.
• Improvement of superconducting device efficiency: Accurate hysteresis loss analysis supports better materials engineering to reduce energy dissipation.
• Standardization of measurement practices: Harmonized international protocols facilitate clear communication and benchmarking across laboratories and industries.

Related Standards

• IEC 61788 series: Covers various aspects of superconductivity, including volume ratio measurement (IEC 61788-5) and other loss measurement methods.
• IEC 60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary providing essential definitions and terminology for superconductivity and electrotechnical fields.
• Complementary measurement methods for AC losses in superconductors, including pickup coil methods suitable for higher frequency ranges overlapping with low-frequency magnetometry.

Practical Value

IEC 61788-13:2012 is fundamental for ensuring accurate, reliable, and reproducible hysteresis loss measurements in superconducting multifilamentary composites. By standardizing magnetometer-based measurement techniques, it enhances the development of superconducting materials with optimized electromagnetic performance, supporting advancements in medical technology, energy systems, and scientific research requiring superconducting components.

This standard's attention to measurement uncertainty, specimen handling, and data reporting equips professionals with scientifically validated procedures, promoting confidence in the evaluation and comparison of AC loss characteristics across superconducting materials worldwide.