AC LOSS MEASUREMENT OF THE SMES CIC CONDUCTOR

We have performed a calorimetric measurement of the AC loss in a Cable -in-Conduit (CIC) conductor for the superconductive magnetic energy st orage (SMES) application. A new technique is used based on the tempera ture rise in the He II in contact with the conductor. The sample is lo cated in a cryostat and placed in the bore of a superconducting dipole magnet. A change in the transverse field produces an easily measurabl e temperature increase. The approach is used to measure the loss in a length of conductor developed as part of the Bechtel SMES-ETM project. The time constant measured for this sample is found to be 8.5 s, whic h is in the range of values estimated from a simple coupling current m odel.