HTS Magnet Coil With Closed-Loop Tapes for Quench Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-temperature superconducting (HTS) electromagnets face challenges such as difficult superconductor splicing, susceptibility to overheating due to quench propagation, and limited multi-turn coil performance, which can result in damage from small defects or errors during winding.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method using a stack of HTS tape type conductors with longitudinal cuts that form closed loops without splices, where the ends are shorted to create a stable magnetic field, and a ferromagnetic yoke is used to mount the coil, allowing for efficient current circulation and thermal protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If superconducting splices are used to connect conductors, then the magnet can be assembled from separate conductor segments, but the splicing process is difficult and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet coil is divided into multiple independent turns, where each turn is a complete closed loop of superconductor. This segmentation eliminates the need for splicing conductors end-to-end, as each turn is formed from a single continuous piece that is bent into shape and joined at its ends to form a closed loop, rather than requiring splices between separate conductor segments
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent superconductor turns are combined into a single coil assembly where each turn operates independently but contributes to the overall magnetic field. The turns are electrically isolated from each other and mechanically supported together, merging the functionality of multiple conductors while maintaining the reliability of individual closed-loop structures
2Power
If conventional multi-turn coils are used, then the magnetic field strength can be increased, but the coil is susceptible to overheating from quench propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is segmented into multiple independent turns, each forming a separate closed loop. This segmentation isolates thermal disturbances, so that a quench in one turn does not propagate to adjacent turns, preventing cascade overheating while maintaining high magnetic field strength through the combined effect of multiple turns
Solution Approach 2:
The independent turn structure serves as a built-in protective measure against quench propagation. By designing the coil as separate isolated turns rather than a continuous winding, the system preemptively prevents the harmful propagation of thermal disturbances before they can affect the entire coil, cushioning against the worst-case scenario of complete coil quench
3Shape
If brittle superconductor conductors are wound into coils, then the desired magnetic field geometry can be achieved, but small defects or errors during winding can irreparably damage the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The coil manufacturing process is segmented into discrete steps: forming individual closed-loop turns, then assembling multiple turns into the final coil structure. This segmentation allows each turn to be independently formed and inspected, reducing the risk that a defect in one turn compromises the entire coil, while still achieving the desired magnetic field geometry through the arranged configuration of multiple turns
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a persistent or semi-persistent magnetic field with reduced risk of quenching, improved coil stability, and enhanced reliability, enabling applications in particle accelerators and other demanding fields.
Implementation Method 1
a stack of HTS tape type conductors with longitudinal cuts that form closed loops without splices
Implementation Method 2
a first end of the first conductor is shorted to a first end of the at least one second conductor and a second end of the first conductor is shorted to a second end of the at least one second conductor thereby forming a closed loop
Implementation Method 3
a ferromagnetic yoke is used to mount the coil
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for superconducting magnets are disclosed, such systems and methods comprising a primary coil and short-circuited secondary coil. The secondary coil can be made from a stack of superconducting tapes having longitudinal cuts forming closed superconductor loops without splices. The primary coil is used to pump the current into the secondary coil where it circulates continuously generating a permanent magnetic field.