Info at: klaus.weiss@kit.edu or michael.wolf@kit.edu

In Germany, the Wendelstein 7-X experimental facility in Greifswald has gone into operation to demonstrate the performance of stellarator-type fusion plants. The ITER fusion reactor, which will demonstrate energy generation through fusion, is being built in southern France. The confinement of the plasma in both machines is ensured by magnets. Superconducting magnets are essential to generate strong magnetic fields in an energy-efficient manner. The design, construction and operation of such magnets are technological challenges due to the low temperatures (4.5 Kelvin) and high currents (typically 68 kA).

The lecture will demonstrate the basic principles for the design and construction of superconducting magnets and will include:

• Introduction with examples of nuclear fusion and magnetic plasma confinement
• Fundamentals of low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors and cryogenics
• Material tests and critical material properties at low temperatures
• Design principles, construction and safe operation of superconducting magnets
• Current status and magnet examples from fusion projects ITER, W7-X, JT-60SA
• Impact of high-temperature superconductors on fusion and energy technology

The target of the lecture is to teach the basics of the construction of superconducting magnets. This requires multidisciplinary knowledge, e.g. from the divisions of material properties at low temperatures, high-voltage technology or high-current technology. The use of superconductors is essential, as this is the only way to efficiently generate the highest magnetic fields with comparatively low losses. Magnetic examples from energy technology, research and fusion reactor construction show the breadth of the field.

This lecture will focus on the following topics

Table of contents:

• Fundamentals of nuclear fusion and design aspects of fusion magnets
• Superconductivity - basics and stability
• Generation of low temperatures, cryogenics
• Low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors
• Cryogenic material tests and material properties at low temperatures
• Quench safety and high-voltage protection of magnets
• Status and magnet examples of the fusion projects ITER, W7-X, JT-60SA and the future DEMO
• High-temperature superconductor applications in fusion and grid technology

Learning objective: The students know

• Types of magnetic plasma confinement in connection with fusion machines
• Examples and basic properties of various technical superconductors
• basics of the production of superconductor cables and magnet construction
• Generation of low temperatures, cryostat construction
• Basics of magnet design and magnet safety
• Material testing and material properties at low temperatures
• High-temperature superconductors and applications in magnet construction and energy technology

Recommendations:

Previous knowledge of energy technology, power plant technology, material tests desirable

- 1. attendance, time of attendance: 2 SWS, other: excursion, field trip, etc. 5 hours
- Private study, self studies: preparation and follow-up course: 1 hour / week
- Preparatory exam: 80 hours per semester, face-to-face teaching (students), 2 core working hours (employees); 3 contact hours (in module description)

Oral examination lasting approx. 30 minutes