The Department of Energy has a need for improved current leads that incorporate high-temperature superconductors (HTS) for use in high-field accelerator magnets. Although presently available current leads that incorporate HTS sections are effective in reducing liquid helium boil off rates, they are bulky and expensive compared with copper-based vapor-cooled leads. The goal of this project is to develop a new HTS section that results in a compact and affordable lead, while maintaining efficient thermal performance. Phase I will focus on the analysis and design of prototype 25-kA and 40-kA vapor-cooled HTS-copper leads, with HTS sections, coupled at 80K to copper sections, both vapor-cooled. This will include a thermal analysis and detailed design of both leads. In Phase II, the prototype 25-kA and 40-kA HTS copper leads will be manufactured and operated.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Affordable and efficient HTS-copper leads should significantly improve the cryogenic efficiency of large superconducting magnet systems. Their compactness should also facilitate retrofitting existing leads with these new HTS-copper leads.
