Design Consideration and Conductor Selection of a Low AC Loss HTS REBCO Magnet Carrying High Currents at 20 K and 40 K

AC loss in high temperature superconductor coils have been frequently studied, however, mostly for AC power applications at 77 K, rather than specifically for high current but low frequency AC superconducting magnet at 20–40 K. Due to their easy operation and Helium shortage, more HTS magnet systems employ conduction-cooling with cryocoolers. The HTS magnets are known for high stability and likely tolerate high AC loss, but it is unclear what is the maximum AC frequency assuming that cryocooler has limited capability (a few hundred Watts) for the 20-40 K temperature range. This paper will specifically study AC loss in a simple HTS dipole but with three conductor/cable options using simulations, (1) 12 mm wide tape, (2) two parallel 6 mm wide tapes, and (3) 6/2 (six 2 mm strands) Roebel cables. It has been found that the magnet at 5 Hz generates 200–400 W AC loss at 20 K or 40 K, potentially be cooled by two single stage cryocoolers. The 6/2 Roebel cable based magnet may allow higher frequency (6–8 Hz) due to its transposition and narrower conductor width.