Abstract: A quench detector for a superconducting coil is provided which utilizes an optical coupling and a rotary encoder. The presence of a resistive voltage in the superconducting coil created by a quench will cause a rotatable readout coil to move. Movement of the readout coil will be detected by light passing through or reflected by an optical encoder, which will interrupt or transmit light passing from one or more light sources towards one or more light sensors. Preferred embodiments utilize optic fibers for the light sources and sensors, which are unaffected by the high magnetic fields or hostile environment of the superconductor coil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic sensor for quench detection and location in a superconductor, and particularly a superconductor used to form an inductor or a magnet. The sensor consists of an insulating tube (1) adjacent to and preferably co-wound with the super conductor (2) and filled with a supercooled working fluid (3). When joule heating occurs in the superconducting conductor as a result of a portion of it becoming normal, the heat is transferred directly to the corresponding portion of the adjacent tube (1). This heat causes the vapor pressure of the working fluid (3) at that point in the tube to change. This change in pressure propagates in both directions at the speed of sound in the working fluid. By detecting with sensors (6,7) when a change in pressure arrives at the ends (5,6) of the tube (1) and calculating the difference between the arrival times, not only can a quench be detected, but the exact location of the quench initiation region can be determined.

Abstract: A self contained, self charging automatic hydraulic activation mechanism (AHAM) for a superconducting energy magnetic storage (SMES) system is disclosed. The AHAM is operatively coupled to arc activated switches disposed across a superconducting coil to automatically close the switches upon a coolant dump. The arc activated switches are also self actuating and close in response to arcing across the switch contacts or across spark gaps provided on the switches.

Abstract: The present invention provides a straightforward sensor and method for quench detection in a superconducting coil, magnet or inductor. The superconducting sensor of the present invention consists of a probe having a twisted loop of superconducting wire in a protective sheath which is co-wound with the superconducting coil, and a readout device. A very small amount of energy is applied to the superconducting loop of wire in the probe by the readout device and its resistance is monitored by readout device. When joule heating occurs in the superconducting coil as a result of a portion becoming normal, the heat is transferred to a corresponding portion of the probe causing a portion of the superconducting wires therein to become normal. This causes the resistance in the superconducting wires to change and this change is detected or measured by the readout device which is magnetically coupled to the wires of the probe.