CONTROL OF A SWITCH FOR A SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET

摘要

A switch controller is disclosed for controlling the switch of a superconducting magnet. The controlled switch provides a superconducting current path across the superconducting magnet when the switch is below a critical temperature, and provides resistive current path across the superconducting magnet when the switch is at or above its superconducting critical temperature. The switch controller modulates the power supplied to a heater for controlling the temperature of the switch, in accordance with the heat generated in the switch by a change in the magnetic field of the superconducting magnet, so as to maintain the temperature of the switch within a predetermined temperature range above the critical temperature when providing a resistive current path.