Fabrication and assembly considerations for a base load MHD superconducting magnet system

The development of a Base Load Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Power Generation System will necessitate the evolution of fabrication, transportation, and on-site assembly techniques which are new relative to present superconducting magnets. The magnet considered in this paper consists of an assembly of two rectangular saddle coils and six racetrack coils, has a stored energy of 6.7 GJ, has overall dimensions of 23.1 × 6.4 × 5.8 m, requires 86.7 km of conductor, and weighs 775,000 kg. The coil external support structure adds another 1,106,000 kg. The largest single component, a single saddle coil with sufficient support structure for shipment, has overall dimensions of 23.3 × 6.2 × 4.0 m and weighs 437,000 kg. The shear size and weight of such components present many problems in shipment; however, items of comparable size have been transported and are discussed. This paper gives a description of the reference design and presents possible techniques for coil fabrication, component shipment, and on-site assembly of the superconducting magnet.