Design and Comparison Analysis of 3 T Superconducting Magnets Using MgB2 and 2G HTS Wires for DC Induction Heaters

Recently, certain superconducting wires, such as second-generation high-temperature superconducting (2G HTS) and low-temperature superconducting magnesium diboride (MgB2) wires, have been used in dc induction heaters. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and compare which wire type is better for the magnet design of a superconducting dc induction heater. This paper presents the design process and comparative analysis results of 3 T superconducting magnets for a 300-kW-class dc induction heater using 2G HTS yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) and MgB2 wires. The specifications of the YBCO wire and two types of MgB2 wires were investigated first. The magnets were then designed so that the maximum magnetic flux density was 3 T, and the magnetic field distributions were analyzed using a three-dimensional finite element method program. Finally, the magnet designs were compared in terms of size, magnetic flux density, operating current and temperature, winding method, required length, and wire cost. This study result will be effectively applied to a commercial 300-kW-class superconducting dc induction heater.