Analyzing the Effects of Hot-Spot Locations on the Current Bypass Characteristics in a PEC

A Partial Electrical Connector (PEC) offers a promising self-protection mechanism for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils, providing an alternative to no-insulation (NI) coils. Unlike NI coils, PEC-applied coils have limited current bypass paths, potentially limiting their self-protection capabilities. This study investigates how the location of hot-spots, created by heaters positioned at different sections within the coil, affects the performance of PEC. By analyzing voltage and center field responses, we found that the proximity of the heater to the PEC significantly influences the efficiency of current bypass. Specifically, closer hot-spots result in more effective current redirection through the PEC. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing PEC patterns, potentially enhancing protection mechanisms for larger HTS coils by improving current bypass capabilities based on hot-spot location.