Paper

High Temperature Superconductors for Commercial Magnets

Author(s)

paper Menu

Abstract

The steadily increasing magnetic fields that can be generated with superconducting magnets are reaching the limits of what is achievable with low-temperature superconductors (LTS). At the same time, a reduction of fossil-fuel extraction will amplify the already limited availability of helium as a coolant for superconducting magnets in the near future. Hence, manufacturers of commercial applications that rely on superconducting magnets have become increasingly interested in exploring technologies that enable a move beyond the magnetic-field limitations posed by LTS conductors, and/or enable higher operating temperatures to allow for cryogen-free operation. High-temperature superconductors (HTS), such as REBCO, Bi-2212, and Bi-2223 have all matured to a certain commercial extent, and have thereby become enablers for such technologies. The emergence of various new commercial magnet-systems that utilize HTS, suggests that we are at the dawn of a wider commercial implementation. A review of which HTS properties are critical for these magnets, what is currently available, and what is missing, is therefore considered timely and appropriate in this context.