High Current Density Cables for Simpler HTS Magnets in Fusion Energy Systems

Journal Article · 23 January 2024 · IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/tasc.2024.3358253 · OSTI ID:2326043

Zhai, Yuhu  ^[1]; Otto, Alexander ^[2]; Zarnstorff, Michael  ^[3]

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1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
2. Solid Materials Solutions, LLC, North Chelmsford, MA (United States)
3. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States); Stellarex, LLC, Princeton, NJ (United States)

High current density cables are needed for the engineering design of potentially low cost, simpler geometry high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets in the promising magnetic configurations as a fusion pilot plant (FPP) option. Significant technology maturation efforts are underway by privately funded startups with the goal to demonstrate mature HTS magnet technology. Test results, however, indicate critical engineering issues remain to be addressed to meet performance goals, and demonstrate HTS coil operation repeatability and reliability. To this end, exploring and enabling multiple viable conductor and cable options is vital. Partnering with a private fusion startup and manufacturers of superconducting strands and cables, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is exploring and seeking to de-risk the aggressive high field approach presently targeted by others. Our main objective is to develop, test and calibrate novel high current density cables for a broad deployment of affordable and reliable coils using Bi-2212 conductors. If successful, such a project will provide technical feasibility for promising FPP configurations including spherical tokamaks (ST) and compact stellarators. Here, we aim at the state-of-the-art Bi-2212 cable technologies toward a current density of 100 A/mm ² at 16 T and 4.2 K–10 K operation for low cost, simpler geometry toroidal field (TF) coils for compact stellarators developed by fusion startup companies on a timeline consistent with the FPP initiatives and beyond.

• Research Organization: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-09CH11466
• OSTI ID: 2326043
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 34; ISSN 1051-8223
• Publisher: IEEECopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English