AC loss characteristics of the KSTAR CSMC estimated by pulse test

Abstract

The KSTAR Central Solenoid Model Coils (CSMC), which are in the form of split coils with same dimension, have been tested. The CSMC were successfully charged up to 20 kA and down to zero with different ramp rates. Various pulse waveforms were applied to the CSMC to analyse the AC-loss characteristics of the coils. The measurement method was a gas-flow calorimetry. In this work, two types of waveforms, the DC-biased sinusoidal wave (I-dc = 2, 4 kA; Delta I-ac = 1 kA; f = 0.08 similar to 0.67 Hz) and a single triangular pulse (I-max = 6 similar to 10 kA; dI/dt = 0.5 similar to 2 kA/s), are selected and analysed. From the measured data at the. one outlet where helium channel 3 and 4 are merged, the AC loss parameters, related with the hysteresis loss and the coupling loss, are calculated. The B-field strength differs depending on the position within the cooling channels. The spatial field variation and the ramp rate were 0.048 similar to 1.9 T and 8.1 similar to 71 mT/s for the DC-biased sinusoidal waves, while 0.29 similar to 4.3 T and 0.024 similar to 0.86 T/s for the triangular pulses. The measured AC losses are compared with estimated values and the behavior agrees well. The coupling time constant (n tau) varies with the field strength. In case of the triangular pulses, n tau increases by increasing the field amplitude and the maximum value of n tau, is 41 ms with I-max = 10 kA.