AC Applications of Superconductors at 50/60 Hz Frequency.

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the research and development of low loss AC composites with very fine superconducting filaments as well as of their applications at 50/60Hz frequency. At first a review of formulae for calculating AC losses in a superconducting multifilamentary composite (MFC) placed in an AC external transverse magnetic field is given and the energetical feasibility criterion for an AC superconducting winding is formulated. Then it is shown how this criterion has influenced the development of AC MFC. Short description of the technology and of characteristic parameters of actually produced AC MFC, cables and windings is presented. The results of feasibility studies and of R & D works on superconducting AC devices and machines such as superconducting fault current limiter, power transformer, fully superconducting generator, linear induction motor, magnetic energy storage system and thermally controlled superconducting switches are reviewed. The quench current degradation of several kA-class cables as well as of epoxy impregnated windings with non-cylindrical form is the most important issue of the further development of superconductor applications at 50/60Hz frequency.