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Advanced Plasma Fusion Magnets with High Temperature Superconductors--American Superconductor Corporation, Two Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01545; 508-836-4200
Dr. Alex Otto, Principal Investigator
Mr. Tom Rosa, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82529
Amount: $750,000
The United States is the world leader in both plasma fusion and high temperature superconductor (HTS) technology. Although HTS offers operating temperature and magnetic field strength advantages over conventional, low temperature superconductors, HTS is not yet available in the large, cross-sectioned, high-current, low-AC-loss forms required for fusion devices. However, recent advances in high performance tape technology have poised HTS for application in next-generation fusion magnets. This project will provide the base technology for producing low-loss, high-current, long length conductor tape suitable for fusion magnets. The initial goal is a 2,000 amp conductor, with a straightforward extension to the much higher, ~60,000 amp current levels required for large fusion systems. In Phase I, candidate fusion machines were identified for use of HTS coils. Requirements were also established for the manufacture of low-loss, high- current HTS conductors, based on present Bi2223 tape technology. Phase II will develop processing for a high-current, low-loss conductor, targeting 2,000 amps (4.2 K, self-field), in a 10 meter, prototype, high-current-density conductor with straightforward extension to higher currents and longer lengths. The Phase II project will also fabricate and test one of the first plasma fusion applications of HTS: the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) machine, which will employ a 1.3 m diameter HTS levitating coil.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The higher operating temperatures enabled by HTS (30K compared to 4.2K) should offer greatly extended stability and performance, while reducing both initial and operating costs in next-generation fusion devices. Commercially viable fusion reactors can eliminate reliance on consumable fuels such as uranium, coal, oil and gas by harnessing the most abundant element, hydrogen, as fuel.