High-Current Low-Voltage Power Supplies for Superconducting Magnets

In a synchrotron accelerator, the beam trajectory is controlled thanks to magnets, where superconducting technology allows to generate very strong magnetic fields. This was a key element in the construction of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world largest accelerator. Such magnets need special power supplies providing very high DC current under low voltage. In the frame of High Luminosity-LHC (HL-LHC), stronger superconducting magnets are developed and require enhanced supplies. This article reviews the present power supply topologies and introduces new concepts: HL-LHC project offers an opportunity for upgraded system, increased operational performances as well as integrated energy storage to recover energy from the superconducting magnets.