Commissioning, Performance, and Effect of the Quench Current-boosting Device on a Dedicated Superconducting Magnet

TL;DR

This paper presents a capacitor-based device that boosts quench current in superconducting magnets, significantly reducing training time and operational costs in accelerator applications.

Contribution

Introduction of an upgradable capacitor device for quench current boosting that eliminates magnet training in superconducting magnets.

Findings

Device successfully tested on a dipole coil with no training required

Simulated and actual responses of the device show good agreement

Potential for reducing operational costs and downtime in accelerators

Abstract

Superconducting magnet training is one of the accelerator related issues attracting attention due to significant operational costs and time budget associated to it. It is especially worrisome that magnets based on the next-generation Nb3Sn technology are affected by long training. While various efforts are underway to better understand and resolve the problem a parallel path could also be investigated, a path bypassing the issue. Following the concept of fast induced over-current during magnet powering, FNAL has developed an upgradable capacitor-based device to discharge through a superconducting magnet at quench detection or operator chosen time. The 0.4 F/1 kV device has been tested on a 1-m-long dipole-coil in a mirror magnet configuration and conclusive results on magnet training elimination have been observed. In this paper we discuss the main characteristics of the device, compare simulated response and actual performance, elaborate on test drivers and outcomes. Next steps and perspectives for future use are debated.