Batch-processed melt-textured YBCO with improved quality for motor and bearing applications

Results on an established batch process preparing melt-textured YBCO of high quality and in large quantities are reported. We used a standard composition Y1.5Ba2Cu3O7?x+1?wt %?CeO2 without further doping to fabricate single domain YBCO monoliths in different sizes and shapes (cylindrical, quadratic) as well as rectangular multi-seeded YBCO monoliths. Up to 2?3?kg of melt-textured YBCO blocks were grown, reproducible in one box furnace run. Top seeding by a self-made SmBCO was improved and rationalized. Optimization of an oxygen annealing treatment led to macro-crack free YBCO monoliths. Each YBCO monolith was characterized by integral levitation force and field mapping. In a single domain, a quadratic monolith with a edge length of 38?mm, a maximum induction of 1.44?T at 77?K and a distance of 0.5?mm was frozen. The reproducibility of the batch process is guaranteed. Mean maximum induction from 1.1 to 1.2?T at 77?K per batch was reached. A trapped magnetic field of 2.5?T was achieved between two single domain monoliths in a gap of 1.5?mm at 77?K. Depending on the application, function elements with different sizes, designs and more or less complex geometry are constructed in several working steps by cutting, machining, bonding and passivation. Selected function elements were checked with field mapping at 77?K. The results of our function elements in HTSC reluctance motors with an output power of up to 200?kW using single domain material are shown. We report on a fly wheel system DYNASTORE and a system to levitate people.