Opportunity for HTS magnets

Right now the coils in an HTS magnet are more expensive than those in a copper magnet and (cooling aside) even more expensive again than those in LTS.  However they are much lighter and smaller than electromagnets and have cheaper cooling than LTS magnets.  They can also withstand fields higher then 22 tesla (T), which will lead to specialist applications. Because HTS systems operate at higher temperatures than LTS they have greater tolerances, reduced vibration, are easier to turn off and on, and are potentially portable.

This then defines the optimum positioning for HTS magnets - fields higher than 1T where size and weight are important considerations. As the cost of HTS wire and cryocooling falls the optimum position broadens, eventually to the point where on cost grounds alone HTS magnets become preferred for fields > 1T.  Cheaper HTS magnets will enable applications that are currently just not possible using LTS or large electromagnets.

High field DC magnets are used in a wide variety of industrial and scientific applications (e.g. magnetic separation) with magnetic resonance (MR) representing the most valuable. At higher fields (2T+) magnetic resonance is currently the sole domain of LTS magnets, but HTS it well position to play a future role. 

Most large rotating machines (e.g. generators, electric motors, synchronous condensers) contain a DC magnet in the rotor. Above a rating of about 1 to 2 MW the HTS solution has the potential to offer significant weight and size reductions over permanent magnets or electromagnets. As wire and cooling costs drop HTS has the potential to become directly competitive with permanent magnets and electromagnets and claim a significant share of his market. Rotating machines contain an AC magnet as well as DC magnet. Making an “all HTS” machine will reduce overall size and weight and make for a simpler design.