A Full-Wave High-Temperature Superconducting Rectifier Based on AC Field-Controlled Switches

Due to the excellent properties, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are promising in high-intensity magnetic field applications. However, HTS magnets face a long-standing challenge of field decay due to connecting joint resistance and flux creep in superconductors. In this article, a novel full-wave HTS rectifier based on ac field-controlled switches is proposed to charge closed HTS magnets inductively. With advantages of compact structure, low cost and low heat load, the proposed full-wave HTS rectifier is capable of replacing the bulky dc power supply and thick current leads, which are required for maintaining the field stability of HTS magnets. An experimental prototype has been developed to verify its working principle. Tests have been carried out to illustrate parameters impacting the working characteristics. The proposed HTS rectifier can expand application scenarios and reduce the costs of HTS magnet significantly.