Quench protection system for 1 MJ superconducting magnet coil for SMES Project at VECC, Kolkata

This paper describes the indigenous development of a system which is used for quench detection, protection and monitoring the parameters of superconducting coil of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system. Resistive voltage measurement method is used for detecting the quench. The voltage across each current lead is also monitored and over voltage across the current lead is detected by comparing it with a set voltage limit. By using isolation amplifier and timer circuit, false quench trigging due to noise and spikes are minimized. If quench is detected a relay operated to turn-off the SMES power supply followed by the release of stored energy of the magnet to the external dump resistance by closing a switch.