Cryogenic System of the MIT-DOE Superconducting Generator

A 10-MVA superconducting alternator has been constructed to demonstrate advanced concepts which will permit fault-worthy operation of large central station superconducting generators. The generator is installed in a test facility which includes a 15,000 horsepower gas turbine prime mover and a 50 litre per hour helium liquefier. The facility will permit on-line tests of the generator which will be connected to the local power grid transmitting 13.8 kV power directly into the system. The rotating 4.8 tesla field winding is surrounded by two helium-cooled electromagnetic shields to protect it from heat generated during fault conditions. The design of the rotor cooling system is presented along with a description of rotor instrumentation and data acquisition. Results of rotor cool-down tests are presented.