Design report of Task 7.5, High-Tc Link

The proposal of developing High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables derives from the potential of the application of HTS in the powering system of the LHC accelerator [1]. The powering of the LHC magnets is today performed via power converters located in tunnel alcoves. Warm cables connect the power converters to the leads integrated in cryostats in line with the beam. The use of superconducting links allows the removal of the powering equipment from the radiation areas in the tunnel to remote radiation-free locations. As a result, one can ensure safer long-term operation of the equipment as well as easier access - in non radiation zones - of personnel to power converters, current leads and related control apparatus for the maintenance, repair, diagnostic and other interventions. The FP7 activity performed within the Task 7.5 aims at the development of a superconducting link of the type that could be applied in the LHC at P3 or P7. It consists of 48 cables, rated at 600 A – DC, and developed for the powering of the LHC corrector magnet circuits. The deliverable of the Task 7.5 is a 20 m long prototype link, consisting of a cryostat and of the HTS multi-cable (24 pairs) assembly.