Method and apparatus for detecting quenching of a coil for a superconducting magnet
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorSwarn S. Kalsi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Quenching of a coil for a superconducting magnet is detected by placing a temperature sensor proximate the coil of the superconducting magnet and monitoring the temperature sensor for a rise in temperature of the coil of the superconducting magnet. AC and DC field variations of the coil of the superconducting magnet do not substantially adversely affect such temperature monitoring, thus facilitating reliable and accurate detection of such quenching. This accurate and reliable detection of quenching assures that the superconducting magnet can be shut down in a controlled manner, so as to prevent damage thereto when quenching occurs. The method and apparatus of the present invention finds particular use in maglev applications.
Claims12
An apparatus for detecting the quenching of a coil for a superconducting magnet, the apparatus comprising:
- a variable resistive temperature sensor disposed proximate the coil of the superconducting magnet and operable to generate an output voltage which is proportional to the temperature of the coil when a current is supplied to the temperature sensor;
- and
- a quench detection circuit in direct electrical communication with the temperature sensor and comprising:
- a substantially constant current source electrically connected to the temperature sensor for supplying current thereto;
- and
- a monitoring circuit electrically connected to the temperature sensor for reading the output voltage of the temperature sensor;
- wherein AC and DC field variations of the coil of the superconducting magnet do not substantially adversely affect the reading of the output voltage by the monitoring circuit, thus facilitating reliable and accurate detection of the quench.
A method for detecting the quenching of a coil of a superconducting magnet, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) disposing a variable resistive temperature sensor proximate the coil;
- (b) supplying a substantially constant current to the temperature sensor so as to cause the temperature sensor to generate an output voltage which is proportional to the temperature of the coil;
- and
- (c) monitoring the temperature of the coil by reading the output voltage of the temperature sensor via a quench detection circuit which is in direct electrical communication with the temperature sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.