High-temperature Superconducting Magnet Research Articles

Strain analysis and preliminary test of an all-superconducting high-field magnet generating 32.4 T direct-current magnetic field

Abstract A higher available magnetic field can provide more flexibility for significant research and construction. Inserting a feasible high-temperature-superconducting (HTS) magnet inside a low-temperature-superconducting (LTS) external is becoming an efficient method to build ultra-high-field (UHF) magnets. However, HTS insert magnets exhibited a concentration of magnetic strain during the energization, significantly owing to the screening-current effect. This phenomenon affects the structural integrity of HTS magnets, posing a difficulty for UHF magnets to reach a center field larger than 30 T. In this paper, we report the recent progress of the 35 T all-superconducting UHF magnet project. The full-cycle development of this homemade UHF magnet was a strong collaboration with multiple domestic institutions in China. We used commercial REBa2Cu3O 7 − x (RE = rare earth element, REBCO) conductors to wind the 20 T HTS insert. Specifically, we optimized the electromagnetic design of this HTS insert with consideration of screening-current induced strain. We applied the no-insulation and metal-as-insulation winding techniques simultaneously to balance the time constant of the two nested REBCO coils. During the excitation test, the HTS insert maintained a 256 A operation current as designed for nearly 18 h. With the energization of LTS external magnet, the entire facility reached a center field larger than 20 T for 16 h, 30 T for 6.35 h and 32 T for 2 h. It finally reached a 32.4 T center field, at which point the LTS external quenched, inducing the HTS insert to quench as well. After quench, the HTS magnet can maintain 229 A operation current during the postmortem standalone test. This 32.4 T result exhibits the effectiveness of considering the screening-current induced strain to enhance the structural integrity of REBCO magnets, and verifies the high reliability of REBCO magnets by generating a long-duration high field environment without any quench accident originating from the REBCO magnet.

Enhanced visualization of quench dynamics of HTS coils through embedded and distributed fiber optical sensing

The development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils and magnets marks a significant advancement across various fields. To ensure their safety and reliability, thorough performance testing under extreme multi-field conditions is essential. This study introduces an innovative method that utilizes embedded and distributed fiber optical sensing (ED-FOS) in HTS pancake coils for precise real-time thermal monitoring and quench visualization. Incorporated during the manufacturing process, the ED-FOS sensors offer comprehensive and distributed measurements of thermal behavior during quenches. Our experiments demonstrate the ED-FOS effectively detects quenches caused by overcurrent and thermal issues. Unlike conventional techniques that rely on global voltage or magnetic field assessments, ED-FOS provides high spatiotemporal resolution and enhances temperature sensitivity. This capability allows for accurate, real-time identification and tracking of quench locations, which is essential for evaluating reliability and safety, as well as for improving performance. This advancement in HTS coil technology paves the way for wider application in critical fields and significantly enhances the design and management of superconducting coils.

Dynamic resistance of a REBCO tape carrying direct current under a mixture magnetic field of AC field with DC-biased field

Abstract When the REBCO coated conductor tape carries a direct current(DC) transport current whilst exposed to the alternating current(AC) magnetic field, a DC electrical resistance can be observed, which is called “dynamic resistance”. The High Temperature Superconducting(HTS) magnet wound by the REBCO tapes is located in the HTS electrical machine as field winding carrying DC transport current. The operational environment of the HTS electrical machine involves a complex magnetic field, encompassing both AC and DC components. The interaction between the AC magnetic field and the DC transport current induces dynamic resistance and dynamic loss in the REBCO tape which is a distinctive trait of REBCO tape. Additionally, the presence of an extra DC-biased magnetic field can decrease the critical current of the REBCO tape, thereby altering its electromagnetic properties and potentially compromising its safety. As the basis of superconducting magnets, it is particularly important to study the dynamic resistance and loss distribution of the single REBCO tape under a mixture of magnetic field backgrounds, according to the real working environments in various applications. In this paper, the electromagnetic-thermal coupling model of multilayer REBCO tape based on H-formulation is built in COMSOL Multiphysics. The electromagnetic characteristics and dynamic resistance of the tape are presented when the tape is applied AC magnetic field and carries DC transport current. The effects of perpendicular and parallel DC-biased magnetic fields on the dynamic resistance and loss distribution of the REBCO tape are investigated in the paper. And the DC transport current safety margin will be observed in different applied DC-biased magnetic fields. This study comprehensively demonstrates the variation of dynamic resistance and loss distribution under a complex background magnetic field, which is significant for exploring the electromagnetic characteristics and calculating the loss of the HTS magnets in the HTS electrical machine.

A full-bridge flux pump using two switches: numerical model and experimental prototype

Abstract High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are promising in high field applications. However, due to inevitable joint resistance and flux creep, HTS magnets still face challenges in maintaining field stability in their closed-loop operation. HTS flux pumps can charge closed HTS magnets wirelessly, thus allowing lower cryogenic loading and more flexible arrangements in HTS magnet systems. In this work, a full-bridge flux pump using two AC field-controlled switches is proposed, which can charge HTS magnets during whole cycles. Therefore, the charging speed of the proposed full-bridge flux pump is at least one time larger than half-bridge flux pumps. A numerical model and an experimental prototype are developed to verify the working principle of the proposed full-bridge flux pump. Simulation and experimental tests are carried out to investigate the working characteristics of the proposed flux pump. The proposed flux pump has huge potential in the application scenarios where high charging speed is required.

Fast current discharging using self-coupling energy absorption for insulated high temperature superconductor magnets

Abstract Quench protection has always been challenging for high-temperature superconductor (HTS) coils. Fast current discharge after quench detection is important for a successful coil protection. The copper plates initially intended for cooling can significantly accelerate the discharging process for HTS coils through electromagnetic coupling between coils and copper plates. However, the underlying physical mechanism of this technique has not been studied thoroughly. Here we present a detailed study on the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of HTS coils coupled with copper plates through experiments and simulations. The results show that a considerable current rebound occurs after an accelerating current drop in the early stage of the fast-discharging process. This coil current rebound is induced by temperature rise as well as the resistivity of copper plates, which are heated by induced eddy current. The heat transfer from copper plates can uniformly heat the whole coil rapidly, which speeds up the discharging process, meanwhile it can also induce overcurrent quench risk. A 30 T@20 K HTS magnet with 36 single pancakes (SP) is analyzed. The coupling copper plates can make the coil current drop to 36.9% within the initial 8 ms. The temperature rise induced by copper plates shows a considerable nonuniform distribution among the multiple coil systems. The protection can be enhanced by optimizing the resistivity of copper plates and magnetic coupling strength between plates and coils. This technique has great potential for the protection of insulated HTS magnets.

Electromagnetic design of high-temperature superconducting electrodynamic suspension magnets

This paper introduces the electromagnetic design process for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets used in electrodynamic suspension (EDS) systems. First, the winding process and detailed parameters of the magnets are described. Then, based on the full-field angle characteristic method, the critical current of the magnets is evaluated and the operating current is determined. Finally, the magnetic field distribution and charging delay of the magnets are assessed based on the design results. This paper provides a reference for the electromagnetic design of superconducting electromagnetic suspension magnets.

Model simulation analysis of superconducting switch applied to high-temperature superconducting electromagnetic suspension magnet

This paper presents a simulation analysis of the switching characteristics of a thermal control superconducting switch used in high overload electromagnetic suspension trains. A two-dimensional axisymmetric model was established using superconducting tape encapsulated in non-copper-plated stainless steel. Simulation analysis of thermal control switch heating and quenching was performed in the absence of an external magnetic field. The simulation results show that the switching resistance is 4.

Transient thermal analysis model of nitrogen-cooled cryogenic system for superconducting electromagnetic suspension magnet

This paper proposes a transient thermal analysis model for a nitrogen-cooled cryogenic system used in superconducting electromagnetic suspension magnets. First, the structural parameters of the nitrogen cryogenic system and the internal high-temperature superconducting magnet are detailed. Subsequently, temperature change simulations during the system's cooling process using a cryocooler, as well as during the cooling and nitrogen-insulation process, were conducted using COMSOL software. Finally, simulations of the temperature variations during the system's offline operation were performed. This study provides valuable references for the design and optimization of nitrogen-cooled cryogenic systems.

Quench protection for high-temperature superconductor cables using active control of current distribution

Superconducting magnets of future fusion reactors are expected to rely on composite high-temperature superconductor (HTS) cable conductors. In presently used HTS cables, current sharing between components is limited due to poorly defined contact resistances between superconducting tapes or by design. The interplay between contact and termination resistances is the defining factor for power dissipation in these cables and ultimately defines their safe operational margins. However, the current distribution between components along the composite conductor and inside its terminations is a priori unknown, and presently, no means are available to actively tune current flow distribution in real-time to improve margins of quench protection. Also, the lack of ability to electrically probe individual components makes it impossible to identify conductor damage locations within the cable. In this work, we address both problems by introducing active current control of current distribution between components using cryogenically operated metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We demonstrate through simulation and experiments how real-time current controls can help to drastically reduce heat dissipation in a developing hot spot in a two-conductor model system and help identify critical current degradation of individual cable components. Prospects of other potential uses of MOSFET devices for improved voltage detection, AC loss-driven active quench protection, and remnant magnetization reduction in HTS magnets are also discussed.

A platform to study defect-induced behavior in high-temperature superconductor cables

High-temperature superconductor (HTS) cables and magnets are enabling a range of high-current and high-field applications, including compact fusion devices aiming to achieve net energy. Defects in HTS pose manufacturing, cost, and operational challenges. A rigorous understanding and predictive capability for defect-induced behavior at relevant scale has not been established. To address this shortcoming, we have developed a cable-level defect characterization experimental platform coupled to high-fidelity computational modeling. The cable ( Ic∼ 438 A at 77.4 K, self-field) comprises a non-twisted 70 cm-long copper former containing a soldered stack of five rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) tapes (each with Ic = 115.7 A/4 mm-w at 77.4 K, self-field), which can contain a variety of induced defects. Spatially-resolved electric fields are measured with a high-density voltage tap array and absolute current distribution with six custom-wound embedded Rogowski coils. 3D circuit modeling uses nodal analysis and self-consistently accounts for the magnetic field dependence of critical current. The model successfully predicts the experimentally measured spatial and operating current dependencies of electric field and current distribution with no defects, one defect, and two defects, validating the defect characterization platform as a tool for improving the design, cost, fabrication, and operation of REBCO cables.

Comparative calculations of trapped field and trapped magnetic flux with different multi-pulse magnetization methods for a bulk high-temperature superconductor

Bulk high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) can trap high magnetic field and are potentially useful for a variety of applications as pseudo-permanent magnets. The pulsed field magnetization (PFM) for bulk HTSs is cost effective and flexible in application compared with quasi-static field cooling and zero field cooling techniques. Many PFM methods have been proposed in many studies to achieve the excellent magnetization performances such as high trapped field and large trapped magnetic flux. In order to clarify the magnetization characteristics of bulk HTSs using different typical PFM methods, we comparatively analyze several typical PFM methods using a simulation model based on the H-formulation combining the thermal conductivity equation. The electromagnetic and thermal behaviors during the magnetization of a bulk HTS with different PFM methods are numerically achieved using the solenoid-type coil to magnetize the bulk. The calculations show that multi-pulse magnetization methods can effectively enhance the trapped field and trapped magnetic flux of the bulk, and different multi-pulse magnetization methods have different efficiencies enhancing these performances. Among all considered PFM methods in the study, the combination method of modified multi-pulse technique with step-wise cooling and iteratively magnetizing pulsed-field method with reducing amplitude has the largest improvement for the trapped magnetic field and the trapped flux simultaneously.

On the future sustainable ultra-high-speed maglev: A superconductor magnet technology enabling high energy efficiency and robustness

The blooming ultrahigh-speed SC maglev (superconducting magnetically levitated train) prompts green travel worldwide. We utilized high-temperature superconductor (HTS) magnets and have developed an energy-economical SC maglev prototype (Energ. Convers. Manage. (291)117247). In this paper, as a continuation, we further improve and maximize the performance of its key part – the HTS magnets, especially in compact high magnetic field and energy density operating conditions, by innovating an HTS magnet technology named the Shunted Extreme-NI Concept. The operational energy-robustness, -density, and -economy of HTS magnets, compared to the conventional type, are improved by 96.8%, 66.7%, and 52.5%, respectively. For a full-scale maglev equipped with this technology, the estimated energy consumption per passenger kilometer can be further reduced to below 20% of that of airplanes under the same cruising speed of 1000 km/h. This work is dedicated to advancing the energy performances of HTS magnets, heading to the future sustainable maglev transportation.

26.86-tesla direct-current magnetic field generated with an all-REBCO superconducting magnet

This paper reports an all REBCO (REBa2Cu3Ox, where RE = Y, Gd) superconducting magnet that generated a direct-current magnetic field of 26.86 T at 4.2 K in self-field, which is the highest magnetic field achieved by the high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet. The magnet consists of a stack of 10 double pancake (DP) coils wound with two different width REBCO conductors, and the no-insulation (NI) winding technology was applied to increase its engineering current density. The inner and outer winding diameters and overall height of the magnet are 30 mm, 103.98 mm, and 102.6 mm, respectively. In order to control the stress risk in HTS magnet, the over-banding made of high elastic modulus stainless steel tapes was employed to the magnet. In addition, no obvious degradation was found in the performance of the magnet after quench at 26.86 T of 295.5 A. These test results demonstrate the great potential of REBCO magnets in high field applications.

Multiscale modeling on the multi-physical behaviors of high temperature superconducting magnets based on a combined global homogenization and local refinement scheme

The safe and stable operation is a crucial issue in the development of high-field high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. In this paper, we construct a multiscale model which couples the homogenized global (macroscopic) behavior and the refined local (mesoscopic) characteristics to simulate the coupled electromagnetic-mechanical-thermal behaviors of the HTS magnets. In the model, the numerical homogenization method is adopted to simulate the macroscopic behavior of the magnets and identify the ‘dangerous region’ of the magnet which are prone to damage or quench. Then, a refined local sub-model which coupling with the macroscopic homogenization model is established by considering the microstructure and physical parameters of each components of the HTS tapes in the ‘dangerous region’. Thus, a combined global homogenization and local refinement scheme which balances the computational efficiency and numerical accuracy is developed to simulate the coupled multi-physical behaviors of the HTS magnets including the quench and its propagation. Our results show that the refined local sub-model can simulate the electromagnetic field and the stress-strain at the scale of the tape more accurately. Characteristics, such as the discontinuous stress distribution across the interfaces between different layers and the current shunt from the HTS layer to metallic layers during the quench process of HTS tapes, which are beyond the capability of the homogenization model, have also been well depicted by the refined sub-model.

Investigation of the effect of difference in the characteristic resistance of DP coils on the field and losses of MI HTS magnets

We found a significant difference between the central and end magnetic field delays during the testing of a metal-insulation (MI) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet. In this paper, we first analyzed the reasons for the difference in the field, and the results show that it is mainly due to the difference in the characteristic resistance of each double pancake (DP) coil. We further evaluated the effect of the difference on the electromagnetic analysis results of the MI HTS magnet. Subsequently, we developed an equivalent circuit model that considers the difference in the characteristic resistance of the DP coils and used the model to analyze the effect of this difference on the fields and losses generated by the MI HTS magnets, especially for AC conditions. Finally, based on our analytical results, a coil arrangement strategy considering the characteristic resistance of each DP coil was proposed. This work can guide us in evaluating the magnetic field more accurately in future engineering applications and provide a coil arrangement strategy for the MI HTS magnet, which requires to excite rapidly or generate an alternating magnetic field.

The SPARC cryogenic system

The SPARC project at Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is a tokamak system designed to demonstrate commercially relevant fusion energy and achieve net fusion power output during the first operating campaign, with eventual fusion pulse energies exceeding 1 GJ. The SPARC tokamak includes eight magnet systems, three that use high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes. The SPARC cryogenic system (CRYO) consists of three supercritical helium cryogenic loops at nominal temperatures of 8 K, 15 K, and 80 K. CRYO 8 K and 15 K loops cool the HTS magnets to maintain thermal stability and prevent quench, while magnets cooled to 80 K are normally conductive. CRYO provides cold helium using a hybrid system that includes a Brayton-cycle-based cryoplant supporting all CRYO temperature loops, and a fixed volume 8 K blowdown system to remove heat and maintain temperature stability of the toroidal field (TF) magnets during and immediately following fusion pulses. CRYO 4.5 K equivalent peak cooling power is 17 kW for the cryoplant and 2.9 MW for the blowdown system during a 10-second fusion pulse. Primary cryoplant mechanical equipment includes screw compressors, turbo-expanders, heat exchangers, and circulation pumps, while the blowdown system consists of a series of warm and cold helium storage tanks operating at independent temperatures and pressures, with make-up compressors to reset the blowdown system between pulses. CRYO also includes a distribution valve box and multiple vacuum-jacketed (VJ) process lines ranging in nominal diameter from 20 to 600 mm. This paper investigates the various sub-elements which in combination represent SPARC CRYO, and attempts to address some of the technical challenges identified by the team.

Influence of D-Q Current on No-Insulated High-Temperature Superconducting Magnets for Wound-Rotor Synchronous Motors

Influence of D-Q Current on No-Insulated High-Temperature Superconducting Magnets for Wound-Rotor Synchronous Motors

The spherical tokamak path to fusion power: Opportunities and challenges for development via public–private partnerships

In this article, we aim to show that the spherical tokamak (ST) device with high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets could offer the quickest and lowest risk path to develop commercial fusion energy, which may be significantly advanced by the use of private–public partnerships. Our starting point is based on what we have learned and will continue to learn from publicly funded research on STs. Keeping prototype ST devices and HTS magnets small has enabled rapid innovation toward a commercial goal. Our ST40 compact, high field ST has proven exceptional performance, with plasma ion temperatures over 100 × 106 °C (above 8 keV) and a record triple product for any private company (n T τE ∼ 1019 keV s/m3). Meanwhile, our robust, compact, quench-safe, HTS magnets can routinely achieve over 24 T. We now have results of great interest to fusion scientists, so as well as pursuing our commercial goals, we are contributing to scientific progress in fusion. Opportunities to participate in public–private partnerships are emerging with Tokamak Energy already selected for the U.S. Department of Energy milestone program and well-positioned to participate in the U.K. Government Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production program. Other countries are likely to adopt similar approaches as the need for rapid development of fusion energy becomes ever more apparent.

A numerical study on homogeneity and central field with axial spacing between DP coils of HTS magnet at 65 K

A numerical study is performed with COMSOL multi-physics, to analyze the effect of axial spacing between double pancake (DP) coils on central magnetic field and field homogeneity of High temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet. The magnet is wound in the form of DP coils having, inner winding diameter as 100 mm and is operated at 65 K. The field homogeneity is calculated over a Diameter of Spherical Volume (DSV) of 40 mm for the entire study. The analysis is carried out by considering a constant length of HTS tape of 750 m and varying the number of DP coils from 4 to 14. The number of turns in all the DP coil is equal for a given set of DP coils to maintain the length of HTS tape to be constant. The coil separation within DP coils is of constant gap from 0.5 to 2 mm, while the axial spacing between the DP coils is varied from 0 to 50 mm for all the set of DP coils. The optimum gap between DP coils was evaluated using Exhaustive search optimization techniques and decreased with the number of DP coils. The best field homogeneity of 662.5 ppm was achieved with 14 DP coils having gDP=20.3 mm and gSP=2 mm for the chosen solenoid configuration.

Energy and exergy analysis of the cryogenic system for HTS magnets based on an open-cycle G-M/J-T cryocooler

High-field magnets have been developed for a broad range of research applications. High-temperature superconducting magnets have received considerable attention due to their potential use in high-field applications. The High Magnetic Field Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CHMFL) is currently designing and constructing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets which need the cooling capacity about 5 W to 10 W at 4.5 K in order to ensure the stability of the system. To meet their operational requirements, a miniature cryogenic system based on the Gifford-McMahon/Joule-Thomson (G-M/J-T) cryocooler has been designed and analyzed. In this research, the performance of the cryogenic system for HTS magnets is investigated systematically by employing both energy analysis and entropy analysis techniques. The results highlight the importance of several key factors, including high pressures, precooling temperature at cooling stages, and J-T exchanger efficiency, for improving the cooling capacity of the cryogenic system. Lowering the precooling temperature can enhance the system cooling capacity and also cause an increase in the precooling capacity. As the pressure increases, the cooling capacity of the system reaches its maximum point at 11.31 bar The J-T heat exchanger accounts for the largest exergy loss rate, 35.2–43.7%. The findings provide technical guidelines for the subsequent experiments and performance optimization of cryogenic system.