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Title: Conceptual design of a forced-flow-cooled 20-kA current lead using Ag-alloy-sheathed Bi-2223 high-temperature superconductors

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/27058· OSTI ID:27058
 [1];  [2]
  1. Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH (Germany). Inst. fuer Technische Physik
  2. Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)

The use of high-temperature superconductors in current leads to reduce refrigeration power has been investigated by many groups in the past. Most used YBCO and Bi-2212 bulk superconductors, although their critical current density is not very high. In this paper, BI-2223 HTSC tapes sheathed with Ag alloys are used in the design of a 20-kA current lead because of their higher critical current in medium magnetic fields. The lead current of 20 kA is related to the coil current of the planned stellarator WENDELSTEIN 7-X. Forced-now helium cooling has been used in the design, allowing position-independent and well-controlled operation. The design characteristics of the lead are presented and 4-K helium cooling of the whole lead, as well as 60-K helium cooling of the copper part of the lead, is discussed. The power consumption at zero current, and the lead`s behaviour in case of loss of coolant flow, are given, The results of the design allow extrapolation to current leads of the 50-kA range.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH (Germany)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
27058
Report Number(s):
ANL-94/36; KFK-5404; ON: DE95008299; TRN: 95:008464
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Nov 1994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English