Intelligent Design Optimisation of an HTS Flux Pump for a Superconducting Magnet in Applied Field-Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets show promise in space propulsion systems, particularly for HTS Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters (AF-MPDT). Nonetheless, thermal dissipation from current leads in traditional magnet charging techniques significantly constrains the overall efficiency and mass of the system for space missions. HTS flux pumps serve as an alternative technology to wirelessly supply superconducting magnets, considerably reducing the thermal load and weight of systems. This study presents an effective design approach that integrates AI optimisation techniques with a previously validated volume integral equation-based equivalent circuit (VIE) model to address the complex nonlinearities between the design parameters, which also exhibit interdependencies, and the flux pump's performance. The particle swarm optimisation and grey wolf optimisation are used in this study. The results indicate that the flux pump exhibits a maximum efficiency of 15.37% when the charging current matches the rated current of the HTS magnet for the thruster, effectively satisfying the practical requirements for application in the SUPREME HTS AF-MPDTs.