System and method for superconducting magnet ramp-down

A method for automatically controlling a ramp-down of a superconducting magnet comprising:

• electrically coupling a ramp-down unit to the superconducting magnet, the ramp down unit comprising a plurality of diode assemblies and a plurality of solenoid switches arranged in parallel with the plurality of diode assemblies;
• monitoring at least one magnet parameter value indicative of a current state of the superconducting magnet;
• determining a number of the plurality of diode assemblies through which current from the superconducting magnet is desired to pass based on the at least one magnet parameter value;
• and
• selectively actuating the plurality of solenoid switches respectively coupled to the determined number of diode assemblies from a closed position to an open position based on the at least one magnet parameter value;
• wherein the selective actuation of the plurality of solenoid switches respectively coupled to the determined number of diode assemblies from the closed position to the open position causes current from the superconducting magnet to pass through the determined number of diode assemblies.

A system for automatically ramping-down a superconducting magnet comprising:

• an electrically conductive lead connectable to a superconducting magnet;
• a plurality of diode assemblies arranged in series and coupled to the electrically conductive lead;
• a plurality of switches arranged in parallel with the plurality of diode assemblies, each switch having a first position and a second position, and wherein each switch causes current from the superconducting magnet to bypass a corresponding diode assembly when in the first position and causes current from the superconducting magnet to pass through a corresponding diode assembly when in the second position;
• and
• a controller programmed to:
• receive at least one magnet parameter value indicative of a present state of the superconducting magnet;
• determine if the superconducting magnet is in a controlled ramp down range or in an uncontrolled ramp down range based on the at least one magnet parameter value;
• selectively actuate a portion of the plurality of switches from the first position to the second position if the superconducting magnet is in the controlled ramp down range;
• and
• actuate each of the plurality of switches from the first position to the second position if the superconducting magnet is in the uncontrolled ramp down range.