Cryostabilization of high-temperature superconducting magnets with subcooled flow in microchannels

Subcooled flow of liquid nitrogen in microchannels is proposed as a means to enhance the stability of superconducting magnets. An analysis shows that high current density or a low stabilizer fraction can be obtained in a cryostable magnet. An increase in stability (with the Stekley criterion as a measure) is directly related to coolant velocity and coolant channel aspect ratio. However, it is accompanied by a corresponding increase in pressure drop of the system. In addition, the coolant temperature rises as a function of coolant residence time and coolant-to-conductor ratio.<>