Analysis of ITER PF Coil Joint Design Under Reference Operating Scenario

One of the critical components of the ITER poloidal field (PF) coils is the electrical joint connecting two conductor lengths. The lap “shaking hands” joints will operate under variable field, causing parasitic-induced currents in superconducting strands and temperature rise of the strands. Previously, some design changes for decreasing the induced currents in the joints were proposed and assessed with the JackPot-ACDC model. In this paper, we use the same model to compare the behavior of two designs under the reference operation cycle of the PF coils. It is concluded that the joints with the proposed design changes will have sufficient stability margin against thermal and electromagnetic disturbances.