A full-wave high-Tc superconducting transformer-rectifier flux pump activated with two electromagnets

High-Tc superconducting (HTS) transformer-rectifier flux pumps (TRFPs) normally have higher efficiency and better controllability than their travelling-wave based counterparts. However, the majority of existing TRFPs require separate activation of the transformer and switch(es), which may increase the footprint and power demand of a system. In this paper, we propose a novel full-wave TRFP circuit topology that integrates induction and switching. The TRFP consists of an HTS loop and two electromagnets. Each electromagnet induces current in the HTS loop as well as switches a portion of the HTS loop in half ac duty cycle, thus achieving full-wave rectification. We developed a finite element simulation model to demonstrate its working principle in detail. In the meantime, a compact experimental prototype was fabricated and successfully supplied 300 A current to an HTS coil. The work effectively reduces the footprint and power demand of TRFPs. Moreover, the proposed TRFP can be considered as a simplified linear travelling-wave flux pump, and may help understand the fundamental interconnection between a travelling-wave flux pump and a TRFP.