HTS Superconducting Magnet Joining for Permanent Current Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting magnets using high-temperature superconductors cannot be operated in a permanent current mode due to the inability to superconductively join the superconducting wire, and those using low-temperature superconductors face limitations in achieving high magnetic field strengths, leading to increased size and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting magnet design that uses a high-temperature superconductor with a joining portion capable of maintaining a superconducting state under magnetic fields between 1.0 and 5.0 tesla, allowing for operation in a permanent current mode and reducing the size of the cryostat by positioning the joining portion closer to the coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a high-temperature superconductor is used with solder joining, then the magnet can be manufactured, but the superconducting state cannot be maintained at the joint under high magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic shield (intermediary component) is introduced between the superconducting coil and the solder joint to reduce the magnetic field strength at the joint location. This allows the solder joint to maintain its superconducting state even when the overall magnet operates at high magnetic fields (1.0-5.0 T), resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field distribution is modified by changing the spatial parameters - specifically by positioning the magnetic shield to create a low-field zone at the joint location while maintaining high field in the coil region. This parameter change allows the joint to operate in a favorable magnetic environment
2Reliability
If the joining portion is positioned far from the coil to reduce magnetic field exposure, then the superconducting state is maintained, but the cryostat size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shield acts as a localized intermediary that creates a protected zone only where needed (at the joint location), rather than requiring the entire cryostat to be enlarged. This allows the joining portion to be positioned close to the coil while still maintaining the superconducting state through localized field management
3Strength
If a low-temperature superconductor is used to achieve high magnetic field strength, then the magnetic field capability is improved, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operating temperature parameter is changed from low-temperature (requiring complex cryogenic systems) to high-temperature superconductor operation. Combined with magnetic field distribution optimization using shields, this allows achieving high magnetic field strength with simpler, more compact systems
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
Enables the superconducting magnet to operate in a permanent current mode with reduced size, maintaining a superconducting state under varying magnetic fields and temperatures, while increasing the critical current and magnetic field strength, thus enhancing the efficiency and compactness of the magnet.
Implementation Method 1
A current flows through the joining portion in a superconducting state when a magnetic field equal to or greater than 1.0 tesla and equal to or less than 5.0 tesla is applied to the joining portion at 77 kelvin
Implementation Method 2
The cryostat is configured such that a temperature inside the cryostat is equal to or greater than 2.0 kelvin and equal to or less than 77 kelvin
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet according to one embodiment includes: a coil including a superconducting layer having a first portion and a second portion, and a joining portion; and a cryostat in which the coil is stored. The first portion and the second portion are located in a termination portion. The superconducting layer forms a closed loop by superconducting joining of the first portion and the second portion at the joining portion. The superconducting layer is made of a high-temperature superconductor. A current flows through the joining portion in a superconducting state when a magnetic field equal to or greater than 1.0 tesla and equal to or less than 5.0 tesla is applied to the joining portion at 77 kelvin. The cryostat is configured such that a temperature inside the cryostat is equal to or greater than 2.0 kelvin and equal to or less than 77 kelvin.