Safety systems and structural aspects of superconducting magnets for fusion power reactors

Potential safety systems are examined for superconducting magnets in fusion power reactors. Because of current and voltage limitations, energy removal systems do not appear practical for dumping significant amounts of energy external to the magnet for designs currently envisioned. Some type of Temperature Equalization System appears necessary to minimize temperature inhomogeneities if energy is dumped internally during a quench or other accident situation since inhomogeneities may cause electrical breakdown and/or structural damage. Large detection nets appear necessary to detect potential "hot spots" before they can damage the magnet. Qualitative fault/event trees have been developed for some potential accident pathways; however, many years will be required before quantitative risk assessment studies can be made.