Abstract

A method and apparatus for charging superconducting magnet coils using the Seebeck effect of thermoelectric materials. Superconducting magnet coils are wound from a superconducting material, such as niobium-titanium, and placed in a cryogenic dewar to cool the coil below the critical temperature at which the coil becomes superconducting. The coil can be charged by providing a suitable thermocouple junction outside the dewar and a reference thermocouple junction inside the dewar and connecting the junctions to the coil in a manner providing charging current flow to the coil in accordance with the Seebeck effect. This method is particularly desirable for use with lightweight magnet systems for use in such applications as magnetic levitation systems for trains, space applications, etc. where the present heavy switching power supplies are undesirable.