Design and test of a 10 kA gas-cooled current-lead for superconducting magnets

The demand for high-rated current leads is increasing with the advancing construction and test of big superconducting magnets, e.g. for fusion research work. Design features and test results for a 10 kA gas-cooled current lead are discussed. It will be utilized for the Karlsruhe toroidal magnet arrangement TESPE |5| and for a first test of the European LCT-coil in the Karlsruhe test facility TOSKA |6|. The design emphasizes the following major features: a) Current-capacity up to 10 kA with possible overloading; b) High-voltage rating of 6 kV; c) Thermal inertia for short-term operation without cooling; d) Rigid design with high surface to volume-ratio and therefore good cooling-capacity. Suitable for long leads and easy manufacturing. The design is discussed in detail and experimental results relative to temperature-profile in the lead, necessary cooling mass-flow and transient behavior are given.