In Greifswald/Germany the fusion experiment Wendelstein 7-X is now in operation to demonstrate the performance of Stellerator-type fusion machines. In south of France the fusion reactor ITER is under construction which will demonstrate the production of energy by fusion. In both machines the plasma inclusion will be ensured by magnets and to produce high magnetic fields in an efficient way, these magnets have to be superconducting. Design, construction and operation of such magnets is a technologic challenge because low temperature (4.5 K) and high currents (typ. 68 kA) are necessary.

The lecture will show basic principles for design and construction of such magnets and includes:

• Introduction with examples to nuclear fusion and to magnetic plasma confinement
• Basics of low temperature and high temperature properties and cryotechnique
• Material testing and critical material properties at low temperatures
• Principles of magnet design, construction and safe magnet operation
• Present status and magnet examples from fusion projects ITER, W7-X and JT-60SA
• Application of high temperature superconductors on fusion and power engineering

The goal of the lecture is to impart the fundamentals of construction of superconducting magnets. Magnet technology is inherently of multidisciplinary character e.g. material properties at low temperature, high voltage and high current technique. The use of superconductors is mandatory to reach highest magnetic fields with comparable small losses. Examples of magnets from power application, basic research and fusion reactor construction are discussed.

Lecture Content:

• Basics of nuclear fusion and design aspects of fusion magnets
• Superconductors - basics and stability
• Low temperature cryogenic aspects
• Low temperature and high temperature superconductors
• Cryogenic material testing and properties of fusion materials at low temperatures
• Quench and high voltage aspects for magnets
• Status and magnets of fusion machines ITER, W7-X, JT-60SA & future DEMO
• Impact of high temperature superconductors on fusion and power engineering

Educational objective: The students know:

• Magnetic plasma confinement principles in connection with fusion machine
• Examples and basic properties of different superconductors
• Basics of formation of superconducting cables and magnet construction
• Generation of low temperature, cryostat construction
• Basics of magnet design and magnet safety
• Material testing and material properties at low temperatures
• High-temperature superconductor use in magnet construction and power application

Recommendations:

Knowledge in energy technology, power plants, material testing is welcomed

- Time of attendance: 2 SWS, Other: excursion, etc. 5 hours
- Self-study: preparation and postprocessing LV (course): 1 hour / week
- Preparation for the examination: 80 hours per semester

Oral examination of about 30 minutes