Rapid Chilldown of High Temperature Superconducting Magnets using Stored Liquid Hydrogen

Eta Space and Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems are proposing a system that utilizes a liquid cryogen stored in a zero boiloff configuration to rapidly chill down a large high temperature superconducting magnet system. Liquid hydrogen presents a variety of key advantages when compared to liquid helium, namely hydrogen’s superior cooling properties with a latent heat of vaporization over times greater than liquid helium’s. Liquid hydrogen is also more efficiently stored for long durations than helium as it has a higher normal boiling point. The base phase I proposal includes all tasks required for the creation of a conceptual design and the generation of multiple analytical models. The phase I option features tasks for the fabrication of a test article and the execution of a scale test. Eta Space’s expertise concerning cryogenic system analysis and design is evident in its past projects including the LOXSAT payload and DoE hydrogen transfer analysis and testing. Eta Space is also uniquely well equipped to test a system such as the one proposed with liquid hydrogen production and test capabilities in house. The Center for Advanced Power Systems is well acquainted with superconducting magnet systems possessing several high temperature superconducting coils ready for test.