Progress in the Design, Manufacture and Testing of the W7-X Superconducting Magnets

Abstract

The W7-X machine is a low-shear stellarator of the Wendelstein line being assembled in Greifswald, Germany. The manufacture of its superconducting magnets is in a well advanced phase. After the acceptance tests in the factory, the magnets are tested in cold conditions in a dedicated facility at CEA Saclay. This paper gives an overview of the status of the manufacture of the W7-X coils, including the production of the superconductor, the windings and casings for the magnets, the final assembly and in-factory test procedures. Several design changes and re-work have been implemented in the course of the manufacture due to more detailed engineering analyses or weaknesses and quality problems found in some components. The status of the cold tests of the coils will also be presented