Busbar System for ITER Magnets

The superconducting busbar system for ITER magnets includes the NbTi cable-in-conduit busbars themselves, the support structure consisting of rigid ducts and clamps to take the electromagnetic loads experienced by the busbars, and the joints for electrical and hydraulic connection. The main challenges arise from considerable displacements of the coil terminals relative to the cryostat, and high electromagnetic, thermal and seismic loads on the busbars, and supporting system. In addition, the busbar ground insulation has to withstand a voltage of up to 30 kV in fault conditions. This article describes how the individual engineering challenges have been met. This includes design concepts and the analysis method for the iterative design of a support structure complying with different, often contradictory, requirements.