Electrical Systems for the Accelerator Systems String Test

Abstract

The Accelerator Systems String Test (ASST) is a facility for development and test of the many magnet associated systems required in the Collider and High Energy Booster (HEB) accelerators. This paper describes the magnet electrical system and the powering and quench protection systems initially installed in the ASST for Phase I, the congressionally mandated milestone.

The string of 5 dipoles, 1 quadrupole and 3 spools and the other systems were installed in the ASST enclosure in the spring of 1992, cooled down in early July 1992, and powered in late July and early August. The nominal Collider operating current of 6500 A was achieved on 14 August 1992 after operation at lower current levels successfully tested the operation of the magnet string, its power system and quench protection system, including intentional quenches in all of the magnets.

The electrical systems, the installation, checkout and operating history of the tests leading to completion of this key milestone for the SSC Laboratory are described.