Development of the superconducting magnet system for HEMS-1 MHD model ship

A 5T, 204 mn warm bore superconducting magnet system for the HEMS-1 MHD model ship has been successfully developed, tested and used for MHD helical thruster development and model ship operation. The system includes a 5T, high current density, close-packed, wax-filled superconducting solenoid with 422 kJ stored magnetic energy, a 204 mm warm bore, horizontal, lightweight, low heat losses dewar and a 1 KA persistent model operation system. The total weight of the whole system is 494 kg. The test results show that the average LHe consumption is 0.341/hr. The system can be operated for about 170 hours without LHe refilling. The paper summarized the design, development, construction and test results of the system.