Research Progress of Contactless Magnetization Technology: HTS Flux Pumps
Yujia Zhai, Ziwei Tan, Xinyi Liu, Boyang Shen, Tim Coombs, Feng Wang
Abstract
Superconducting flux pump is a wireless charging technique utilizing electromagnetic induction law for exciting the superconducting magnet by pumping the magnetic flux into the superconducting closed-loop circuit without any electrical contact in order to compensate current attenuation and ensure the stability of the magnetic field. The contactless flux pump not only charges the magnet, but also quantitatively compensates the current decay of the magnet, which makes it possible for superconducting coils to work in the persistent current mode. This method of magnetizing can effectively reduce contact losses and heat losses, making the whole magnet system more compact and effective. This paper introduces the working principle and research progress of the recent flux pumping technology, reviews different types of high temperature superconducting (HTS) flux pumps proposed during the last decade, summarizes the underlying physics as well as merits and drawbacks of each type, and finally gives a potential developing trend for the future flux pumps where power engineering is largely applied.