Modeling and Measurements of Ramping Losses in HTS Coils for Pulsed Power Applications of SMES

Ramping losses in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) coils are modeled using the finite element technique, and the models were experimentally validated using two independent measurement techniques. The target application of the SMES is a coil set of the 100-Tesla pulsed high field magnet system at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The pulse shape and duration used for the measurement were selected based on the needs of the pulsed magnet system. The modeling and measurement methods used are discussed. The purpose of the models and the experimental validation is to enable reliable estimation of losses in full-scale SMES systems needed for the designs of cryogenic systems. The similarities between the ongoing developments of high current HTS cables for compact fusion systems and the proposed SMES are discussed to show the synergy among the applications and as the reason for the author's optimism of high-current HTS SMES technology operating at 20 K or higher temperatures.