Design of an MgB2 feeder system to connect groups of superconducting magnets to remote power converters

Abstract

Following the successful adoption of high temperature superconductors (HTS) in current leads for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), it is now being investigated if it may be possible to use HTS to link superconducting magnet system feed-boxes, located in zones liable to receive large doses of radiation, to safe locations near the power converters. In the LHC supercritical helium at 5 K / 3 bar is available, and the use of MgB2 can be envisaged for this purpose, rather than the more expensive YBCO and BSCCO materials. The design concept of a multi-conductor link to carry a total of up to about 115 kA of quasi-DC current has been elaborated, and tests to validate the principle are presently under way. The advantages afforded by such a link as compared to one based on low temperature superconductor are an increase in the margin of temperature stability, and a simplification of the feed-box, cooled with helium gas. Whereas the initial application requires links of about 100 m in length and 10 m in elevation, if the technology is shown to be viable there could be other applications in the CERN LHC complex for links of up to 500 m in length and up to 150 m in elevation. The conceptual design is presented, together with the plan for its validation and a report of progress with the associated testing. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.