Approach to the shape optimization of racetrack type high temperature superconducting magnet using response surface methodology Original Research Article

This paper presents the optimization via shape design of the field coil using high temperature superconducting generator (HTSG). Response surface methodology (RSM) is applied to this optimizing process and well adapted to make an analytical model. In addition, it is easy to approach and efficient in seeking an optimal condition for a complex problem considering a lot of interaction of these design variables in an unknown system. Ic in HTS materials is more sensitive to magnetic fields directed along the c axis of the unit cell (B⊥) than to fields in the ab plane [J.F. Picard et al., IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercon. 9 (2) (1999) 535]. Thus, in the shape design of the HTS magnet, the design to reduce the maximum B⊥ should be considered in order to maintain the stability and substantial improvement on the performance. The optimal condition of the magnet shape, which is used for the field coil of HTSG, is obtained from the response surface made by RSM, and the effects of design variables related to the magnet are analyzed through the variance analysis. Moreover, the result of RSM is verified by comparison with those experimental results.