In the realm of high-field electromagnets, the devil is in the details. Specifically, the details of calculating the Lorentz force on coils, which is crucial for designing support structures, and computing inductance to evaluate stored energy and dynamics. These calculations are not just academic exercises; they are vital for applications that range from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines to advanced fusion reactors. Until now, these calculations have been computationally demanding, requiring complex models to resolve the finite cross-section of conductors. But a new method, developed by Matt Landreman at the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics at the University of Maryland, promises to change that.
Landreman’s approach, published in Nuclear Fusion, offers a rapid and accurate alternative for computing the internal magnetic field vector, self-force, and self-inductance within a 1D filament model. This is a significant advancement, as it allows for more efficient design optimization of electromagnetic coils, which are essential components in various energy technologies. “The new filament model exactly recovers analytic results for a circular coil, and is shown to accurately reproduce full finite-cross-section calculations for a non-planar coil of a stellarator magnetic fusion device,” Landreman explains.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For instance, in the energy sector, high-field electromagnets are used in fusion reactors, which aim to harness the power of the sun to generate clean, abundant energy. The ability to quickly and accurately calculate the forces and inductances in these coils can lead to more efficient and safer designs. “Due to the efficiency of the model, it is well suited for use inside design optimization,” Landreman states, highlighting the potential for this method to accelerate innovation in the field.
Moreover, the method’s applicability to coils with general noncircular shapes, as long as the conductor width is small compared to the radius of curvature, opens up new possibilities for coil design. This could lead to more compact and powerful electromagnets, which are not only beneficial for fusion reactors but also for other energy technologies, such as advanced power grids and energy storage systems.
The research extends a previous calculation for circular-cross-section conductors to consider the case of rectangular cross-section, providing a more versatile tool for engineers and scientists. This advancement could shape future developments in the field, making the design process more efficient and the resulting technologies more robust. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this one will be crucial in driving progress towards a sustainable and efficient energy future.
