Cryogenic design of the ALUHEAT project

ALUHEAT project aims to build a cryogen-free superconducting induction heater. In this paper, the cryogenic design, which includes heat loss calculations, mechanical analysis, optimization of current leads and description of cooling conditions, is presented in detail. The induction heater consists of two magnets in separate cryostats and the billet to be heated is rotated between the cryostats. Short distance between the magnet and cryostat wall, large forces between the magnets, and the need to rotate the billet create application specific requirements that must be taken into account. Finite element analysis is used to design the cryostat to withstand the forces created by the vacuum and magnetic field. Finally, thermal interface, radiation shield, magnet support and apparatus to rotate the billet are designed and all components assembled into the complete system. ©2008 American Institute of Physics