High Field Magnets for Plasma Fusion Confinement Systems

50633-98-I High Field Magnets for Plasma Fusion Confinement Systems--American Superconductor Corporation, Two Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1727; (508) 836-4200 Dr. Swarn Kalsi, Principal Investigator Dr. Alexis P. Malozemoff, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82529 Amount: $75,000 Magnetic plasma fusion confinement techniques are being studied worldwide for developing a clean and efficient means of harnessing the power of nuclear fusion. A number of different machine configurations (tokamak, stellerator, mirror, etc.) have been studied. Newer concepts such as levitating dipole machines are beginning to be developed for studying plasma physics. This project will study the feasibility of high field DC magnets 12 to 20 Tesla and magnets with slow ramp requirements utilizing high temperature superconductors for existing and emerging fusion machine concepts. Phase I will study conductor configurations based on BSCCO-2223 composite wire and YBCO-123 coated conductors. Conceptual magnet designs will be developed using these conductors and issues pertaining to cooling and magnetic force withstand capabilities will be addressed. In Phase II, prototype conductors will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This work will provide HTS conductor designs for future magnetic fusion devices and could lead to the development of commercial products for other power equipment builders._