Development of a high-current HTS prototype conductor for power transmission

Abstract

Extensive investigation, carried out worldwide until 1980, about the possible use of “conventional”, low-T c superconductors, in power transmission technology, had led to the unanimous conclusion that liquid-helium-cooled cables, though technically attractive, were not economically competitive with conventional systems unless extremely high, unrealistic, power levels had to be transmitted. The availability of HTS materials, potentially suitable for cooling with liquid nitrogen, has given an extraordinary impulse to revitalize widespread interest for such an application. Today, demonstration programs for HTS cable systems and system prototypes have entered the phase of experimental activity, with very positive results. Among the most recent advances is the successful manufacture of a machine-stranded, 50 m long, 3300 ampere HTS cable conductor, which was developed in the frame of an EPRI funded project focused on the potential application of HTS cables to retrofit and upgrade existing high-pressure, fluid-filled (HPFF) “pipe-type” cable circuits. The next, on-going, phase will be to complete the manufacturing of the cable and of the other components of the system. It is expected that these initial programs will be followed by pilot installations, which will provide the opportunity for establishment of relevant operational procedures .