A new series-connected hybrid magnet system for the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) proposes to build a new hybrid magnet system with three specific goals: 1) address the needs of users requiring high homogeneity, high temporal stability, and long residence times at moderately high fields; 2) enhance user service through use of a single 10 MW power supply (allowing simultaneous operation of multiple systems); and 3) make the system attractive in terms of combined capital and operating costs. The basic configuration will be a Series-Connected Hybrid, wherein resistive insert and superconducting outsert are connected in series and powered by a single 10-MW unit (20 kA and 500 V) of the NHMFL dc power system, a configuration with advantages for handling faults and off-normal operating conditions and with improved temporal stability. Specific design goals are 35 T, 10-ppm uniformity over a 10-mm DSV, and access for 40-mm diameter probes. By powering the superconducting outsert with 20-kA high-temperature-superconductor (HTS) current leads, cryogenic loads are kept small, substantially smaller even than the present 45-T Hybrid. The net result is a magnet design: 1) with capability for both higher field and higher field quality than present resistive-only systems, 2) that permits simultaneous service of two or more users, 3) that is sufficiently compact to fit within the standard resistive-magnet cell, 4) whose ease of operation is comparable to resistive-only systems, and 5) whose lifetime cost (including construction and operation) can be significantly lower than comparable resistive-only systems. We discuss details of the existing conceptual design, the methodology for its creation, the perceived development needs, and the projected program to realize this system.