Technology transfer from laboratory to industry for fabrication of large superconducting coil joints

The future magnetic thermonuclear fusion reactors will use superconducting magnets. The development during the last decade of the cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC) allows the transport of high current intensities. Nevertheless, the conductor units, which can be produced in industry with such conductors are not long enough to allow constitution of complete winding-pack out of one length. Therefore joints have to be implemented to connect electrically winding units with each other. These joints must fulfil electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and tightness requirements and their design must allow industrial feasibility. The twin-box concept, developed at CEA, was tested with 3 prototype joint samples, and applied to the joints of the ITER Toroidal Field Model Coil, manufactured in the European industry. The tests of this coil in 2001 showed successful operation of these joints, in particular low and reproducible resistances. The concept is now developed with niobium-titanium conductors for the ITER PF Coils and tested this year with a full size joint sample.

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