New or advanced superconducting magnet concepts are needed for plasma fusion confinement systems. Of particular interest are magnet components, superconducting, structural and insulating materials, or diagnostic systems that lead to magnetic confinement devices which operate at higher magnetic fields (14T-20T), in higher nuclear irradiation environments, provide improved access/maintenance or allow for wider operating ranges in temperature or pulsed magnetic fields.  

Grant applications are sought for:  

Innovative and advanced superconducting materials and manufacturing processes that have a high potential for improved conductor performance and low fabrication costs. Of specific interest are materials such as YBCO conductors that are easily adaptable to bundling into high current cables carrying 30-60 kA. Desirable characteristics include high critical currents at temperatures from 4.5 K to 50 K, magnetic fields in the range 5 T to 20 T, higher copper fractions, low transient losses, low sensitivity to strain degradation effects, high radiation resistance, and improved methods for cabling tape conductors taking into account twisting and other methods of transposition to ensure uniform current distribution.

Novel methods for joining coil sections for manufacture of demountable magnets that allow for highly reliable, re-makeable joints that exhibit excellent structural integrity, low electrical resistance, low ac losses, and high stability in high magnetic field and in pulsed applications. These include conventional lap and butt joints, as well as very high current plate-to-plate joints. Reliable sliding joints can be considered.

Innovative structural support methods and materials, and magnet cooling and quench protection methods suitable for operation in a fusion radiation environment that results in high overall current density magnets.

Novel, advanced sensors and instrumentation for monitoring magnet and helium parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, voltage, mass flow, quench, etc.); of specific interest are fiber optic based devices and systems that allow for electromagnetic noise-immune interrogation of these parameters as well as positional information of the measured parameter within the coil winding pack. A specific use of fiber sensors is for rapid and redundant quench detection. Novel fiber optic sensors may also be used for precision measurement of distributed and local temperature or strain for diagnostic and scientific studies of conductor behavior and code calibration.  

Radiation-resistant electrical insulators, e.g., wrap able inorganic insulators and low viscosity organic insulators that exhibit low gas generation under irradiation, less expensive resins and higher pot life; and insulation systems with high bond and higher strength and flexibility in shear.

Questions – Contact: Barry Sullivan, barry.sullivan@science.doe.gov

 

Reference

1. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. (2009). Research Needs for Magnetic Fusion Energy Sciences. Report of the Research Needs Workshop (ReNeW). Bethesda, Maryland. June 8-12, 2009. pp. 285-292.

2. J.V. Minervini & J.H. Schultz. (2003). U.S. Fusion Program Requirements for Superconducting Magnet Research. Applied Superconductivity, IEEE Transactions. Volume 13. Issue 2. pp. 1524 -1529. Available at

3. L. Bromberg, et al. (2001). Options for the Use of High Temperature Superconductor in Tokamak Fusion Reactor Designs. Fusion Engineering and Design. Volume 54. pp. 167-180.

4. J.W. Ekin. (2006). Experimental Techniques for Low-Temperature Measurements: Cryostat Design, Material Properties, and Superconductor Critical-Current Testing. Oxford University Press. ISBN13: 978-0-19-857054-7