Thermoelectric method and apparatus for charging superconducting magnets

A superconducting magnet coil apparatus having means for charging the coil using the Seebeck effect, which comprises:

• a magnet coil formed from a superconducting material;
• a dewar surrounding said coil;
• said dewar adapted to contain a cryogenic liquid capable of cooling said coil below the critical temperature of said superconducting material;
• a first thermocouple means, formed from dissimilar materials, located outside said dewar;
• a second thermocouple means, formed from dissimilar materials, located in a lower temperature region than said first thermocouple means;
• wiring means connecting said coil and said first and second thermocouples in series;
• whereby a current will flow through said first and second thermocouple means and said coil to charge said coil.

A method for charging a superconducting magnet coil which comprises the steps of:

• providing a magnet coil formed from a superconducting material;
• placing said magnet coil in a dewar filled with a cryogenic liquid capable of cooling said coil to a temperature below the critical temperature of said superconducting material;
• placing at least one first thermocouple, formed from dissimilar materials in said dewar;
• placing at least one second thermocouple, formed from dissimilar materials outside said dewar;
• and
• electrically connecting said coil and said first and second thermocouples in series;
• whereby a current will flow through said first and second thermocouples and said coil, charging said coil.

A superconducting magnet coil apparatus having means for charging the coil using the Seebeck effect, which comprises:

• a magnet coil formed from a superconducting material;
• a dewar surrounding said coil;
• said dewar adapted to contain a cryogenic liquid capable of cooling said coil below the critical temperature of said superconducting material;
• a first thermocouple means, formed from dissimilar materials located outside said dewar;
• a second thermocouple means, formed from dissimilar materials located inside said dewar;
• wiring means connecting said coil and said first and second thermocouples in series;
• whereby a current will flow through said first and second thermocouple means and said coil to charge said coil.