HTS Magnets vs. Copper Magnet

Large electrical magnets currently are used in a variety of industrial and military settings. The applications range diversity, from medical uses to process manufacturing and purification to scientific research. Traditionally, these devices have been built using copper wire.

Magnets based on HTS wire compare favorably to older conventional magnets because they are:

Smaller and Lighter The high current density of HTS wire enables designers to reduce the size and weight of coils in magnet applications by as much as 40-80% compared to those made with copper wire.

More Efficient Because HTS wire has virtually no resistance to direct currents, HTS coils and magnets can be designed to have higher energy efficiency and lower operating cost than copper based systems.

Higher Magnet Fields The high current density in HTS wires enables higher magnetic fields.

Greater Thermal Stability Coils and magnets using HTS wire operate in a stable “cold environment.” The temperature can be maintained within a narrow temperature range because of the very low level of heat generated by HTS magnets. Conversely, copper coils generate high amounts of heat, making it difficult to maintain proper temperature when the magnet application requires tight thermal control.

Longer Magnet Life The “cold environment” within which HTS magnets operate eliminates a common source of product failure: heat.  Thermal cycling, which shortens the useful lifespan of copper wire coils and magnets, is not a concern with HTS magnets.

HTS magnets are commercially available today. Experience with the initial applications, which were in the military and scientific domains, are expected to give rise to expanded applications addressing other markets. Companies that supply HTS magnets are summarized in the “Component Supplier” section.