Validation test of fusion grade superconductors

Abstract

The need of high magnetic field for long pulse operation of Tokamaks and future fusion reactors is an essential requirement. The superconducting magnets operating at low temperature, high current and produce high magnetic field for long time can certainly full-fill this requirement. Three types of magnets namely central solenoid, toroidal filed and poloidal filed are used for initiation, confinement and equilibrium of plasma. The presently available basic conductors for these magnets are Nb3Sn, Nb3Al, NbTi and MgB2. The presently operating SST-1 Tokamak has superconducting magnets made up of NbTi as basic conductor. The design and prototype initiative for SST-2 magnets has also begun at IPR. The low temperature and high magnetic field characterization of in-house developed and commercial superconducting strands have also been initiated in the custom made standard test facility at IPR. Encouraging results on testing of Nb3Sn, NbTi and MgB2 have been found for suitability of these conductors for magnets and current leads. The basic test set up and test results of fusion grade conductors will be discussed in this presentation.