ADR Magnets Operating at 30-40K

This program is designed to achieve high operational efficiency for superconducting ADR magnets in space, and to meet space launch requirements. The overall technical objective is to manufacture an efficient magnet using YBCO HTS tapes that can generate 3 T at 30-40 K with an operating current of 5-7 A. To meet this goal we will conduct research and development in areas of: 1) Characterization and use of 1.25 mm YBCO tape in ADR coils. 2) Fabrication of narrower YBCO tapes. 3) Development of low resistance tape-to-tape electrical joints. 4) Quench protection of YBCO ADR coils operating at 30-40 K. 5) Design and manufacturing of a 3 T, YBCO ADR magnet. 6) Testing of the 3 T magnet at 30-40 K.

Currently many commercial superconducting magnets use Nb-Ti or Nb3Sn wires and are cryogen-free. These magnets use commercial cryocoolers that can achieve cooling capacity of 0.5-3 W at 4-10 K. The input power requirement of these expensive cryocoolers range between 3-5 KW, and they can weigh in access of 100 Kg. Magnets fabricated with HTS wires/tapes that operate at 30-40 K can be operated by simple and less expensive single-stage cryocoolers. This breakthrough technology will have a significant impact on efficiency of superconducting magnets used in motors, actuator, imaging devices, high-power electric propulsion, and detectors with potential use in space applications.

Many next generation satellite detectors and space telescopes require detectors to be cooled to temperatures of below 0.1 K. Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators (ADRs) offer a practical approach to achieving such low temperatures. Present ADRs operate at 4-10 K requiring substantial cryocoolers. If an ADR system could reject its heat at about 30 K or above, the approach of passive radiative cooling can come into serious consideration whereby mechanical cryocoolers can be totally removed from the overall cooling system. This can be a significant breakthrough that opens the door to a wider application of ADRs in space application, as well as other superconducting magnets in space in general.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.