| 摘要 |
The invention provides a lightweight electric conductor capable of storing waste heat induced by intermittent high currents. The conductor comprises a high electric conductivity (HEC) element and a phase change material (PCM) arranged in a thermal contact therewith. In one preferred embodiment, the HEC element is formed as a tubular member having longitudinal cavity substantially filled with PCM. In another embodiment of the subject invention, the HEC element may be formed as a long rod, bar, or a wire having PCM applied to, and in thermal communications with its exterior surface. Waste heat generated by passage of intermittent high electric through the HEC element generates waste heat that is conducted into the PCM and temporarily stored therein as latent heat. The invention allows reducing the cross-section of electrically conducting parts of electric conductors used for intermittent high currents. As a result, the conductor weight is reduced. The innovative lightweight conductor may be used in hybrid electric vehicles and certain electric weapons systems.
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