The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is upgrading the electric equipment powering its magnets. A new $4.5 million switchgear will improve reliability, safety, and capability and allow the lab’s electromagnets to generate higher magnetic fields. The switchgear divides power coming into the lab into circuits to manage electrical flow and provide advanced protection. The resulting faster breaker operation will reduce risks from surges or short circuits.

A $10 million power bank installed alongside the switchgear will monitor and correct power quality and fluctuations that could affect sensitive measurements or equipment. Next up, the DC power system that powers the electromagnets is set to be upgraded. The goal is to give a 20% boost to the total power available to run magnets. “We must keep improving to support important research in high magnetic fields that’s paving the way for tomorrow’s technology,” says FSU’s Julia Smith.

• Julia Smith
• Kathleen Amm