Wide Access HTS Magnet for Neutron Scattering (2024)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFortunately, HTS conductors also have very high thermal stability, making them far less likely to quench under normal conditions and allowing more time to detect a developing quench and shut down the magnet before damage occurs. At HTS-110, we embed continuous monitoring \u2013 coil temperature and voltage surveillance \u2013 within our magnet designs, ensuring that operation stays within a safe envelope. This synergy of low quench likelihood and robust detection can be applied to advanced fusion magnets, where stored energy can be immense and reliability is paramount.<\/p>\n
A brief note on helium and the appeal of HTS<\/h3>\n While HTS often eliminates or reduces helium usage by operating at higher temperatures (20\u201330 K instead of ~4 K), some magnets still rely on helium for partial cooling or initial cooldown. With the global market facing Helium Shortage 4.0 and associated cost instabilities, cryogen-free or helium-light systems are increasingly attractive. Our designs integrate CryoSaver\u2122 leads \u2013 dramatically cutting conduction losses \u2013 and robust cryocoolers, helping fusion programmes mitigate helium supply risks and simplify on-site operations.<\/p>\n
R&D at the core: Four integrated product lines for fusion<\/h3>\n A large part of HTS-110\u2019s ability to meet commercial fusion needs stems from in-house R&D, where we refined coil winding, conductor qualification, cryogenic integration, and fast-ramping magnets. Over time, we crystallised these learnings into four integrated product lines that help new fusion entrants skip years of trial and error:<\/p>\n
SuperCurrent\u2122 \u2013 Wire quality control<\/strong><\/p>\nMany QA processes rely on LN2 (~77 K) at near-zero fields, masking defects or behaviour that is relevant at ~20 K and 10\u201320 T\u2014exactly where many fusion magnets must operate. SuperCurrent was developed by the Robinson Research Institute to measure critical current (Ic) under realistic conditions. Used by wire manufacturers and groups like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, it ensures large wire batches meet stringent specs, reducing coil failure risks.<\/p>\n
CryoSaver\u2122 \u2013 Efficient current leads<\/strong><\/p>\nTransferring current into cryogenic environments can waste energy and complicate cooling. CryoSaver leads \u2013 adopted in over 2,000 installations worldwide \u2013 cut conduction losses by up to 90%, easing refrigeration demands and accelerating commissioning for both fusion and industrial magnets. Ratings from 150 A to 3 kA and beyond make them versatile for a range of applications.<\/p>\n
Bespoke HTS coils: CryoForge\u2122<\/strong><\/p>\nAt the heart of all magnets are stable coils, prompting us to refine mechanical reinforcement, quench protection, and coil geometries. The result: CryoForge, a family of coil modules that can now accommodate non-planar or complex shapes, as well as standard circular and racetrack designs. While we currently focus on compact, efficient coils for prototypes, future expansions may see these modules scaling toward larger fusion magnets in advanced reactor concepts.<\/p>\n
Fast-ramping and high-field approaches<\/strong><\/p>\nSome magnets must rapidly cycle between different field polarities. Our 7 T MOKE (magneto-Optic Kerr Effect) magnet completes a four-quadrant ramp in under 60 seconds on a continuous duty cycle, showcasing HTS\u2019s aptitude for rapid field changes. These magnets have been employed extensively in the industrial development and qualification of new data recording media, where high field capability, high throughput, and high reliability are essential requirements. The development of rapid-ramping magnets relied on a significant body of research undertaken in HTS-110 to understand, predict and manage in-cycle electrical losses in HTS coils, a deep understanding which is now leveraged in many new magnet designs. Though central solenoids in large tokamaks cycle even faster (e.g. +25 T to -25 T in ~10 seconds), our experience with fast-ramping magnets can inform smaller control or compensation coils, where dynamic field adjustments matter without matching the solenoid\u2019s extreme demands.<\/p>\nHTS-110\u2019s supercurrent instrument, cryogenic chamber diagram and i c measurement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEmbracing ReBCO for next-generation magnets<\/strong><\/p>\nEarly HTS tapes relied on Bi-2223, which was indispensable for initial commercial magnets. However, modern fusion designs increasingly look to ReBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide) due to its higher in-field current density, superior mechanical strength, and capacity to operate at elevated temperatures with excellent performance. Multiple manufacturers worldwide are scaling ReBCO production to meet surging demand \u2013 making it a cost-competitive option for the next wave of fusion coils. HTS-110 incorporates ReBCO tapes into designs where higher field thresholds and smaller coil footprints are vital, further reinforcing our emphasis on robust, manufacturable solutions for advanced reactors.<\/p>\n
While HTS-110 doesn\u2019t operate the SuperCurrent\u2122 platform in-house, we collaborate closely with wire suppliers \u2013 many of whom rely on that measurement system for precise Ic data. This synergy lets us integrate ReBCO or Bi-2223 tapes seamlessly, adjusting coil designs as new conductor variants emerge. By incorporating real-world wire performance insights, we maintain tight project timelines without sacrificing reliability \u2013 a crucial factor when building magnets for fusion\u2019s demanding performance envelope.<\/p>\n
Beyond first plasma: Scaling for commercial fusion<\/h3>\n Every fusion magnet poses unique challenges in geometry, temperature margins, and mechanical reinforcement. HTS-110 addresses this head-on with a systematic, end-to-end approach that begins with a detailed design study \u2013 covering electromagnetic fields, thermal modelling, and quench protection \u2013 and proceeds through coil winding, assembly, and rigorous validation. Over the years, we have proven our capacity by delivering magnets for beamlines, homopolar motors, and neutron scattering; we understand how to scale prototypes into consistent, repeatable systems. For commercial fusion, that translates to a single point of responsibility \u2013 design, manufacturing, and testing \u2013 all under one roof, balanced with the efficiencies of a standardised product line.<\/p>\n
If you need high-field magnets, advanced coil modules, or simply expert guidance, we invite you to collaborate with us. Contact us today to see how our in-house R&D, engineering depth, and proven commercial deliveries can support your fusion roadmap \u2013 from initial demonstration through to net energy. Together, we can fast-track fusion\u2019s future on a global scale.<\/p>\n
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