Editor’s note: More than 7% of the energy generated in the U.S. is lost during transmission and distribution. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that half of this loss could be eliminated by the application of HTS. These savings could amount to $16 billion per year, reducing our use of fossil fuels, as well as the generation of greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions.
Quick Ship is ideal for customers who would like to obtain small quantities of 2G HTS wire for evaluation, testing or practice work, and who want to avoid the longer lead times associated with larger orders and custom specifications.
The need for new solutions to the nation’s energy problems has now become critical: an aging utility infrastructure needs to be replaced, deregulation is driving utilities to seek more efficient, cost-effective devices, and demand for reliable, high quality power is increasing at an enormous rate. Additionally, rising energy costs and the threat of global warming have industry seeking the benefits of green technology to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste.
High temperature superconductivity (HTS) refers to the ability to achieve the superconducting state using liquid nitrogen, rather than the liquid helium required for low temperature superconductors (LTS).
These reduced cooling needs of HTS offer performance advantages to electric power devices:
- Increased efficiency in the generation, transmission, distribution and storage of energy
- Greatly enhanced capacity
- Improved reliability and quality of power
- Increased operational flexibility for utility grid
- Environmental benefits
- Reduced operating cost
Recent developments include:
AP (Advanced Pinning) – wire incorporating the AP formulation exhibits superior performance at a range of temperatures from 77K (Kelvin) to as low as 4K and is well-suited for in-magnetic-field applications such as motors, generators and other high-field magnetics.
CF (Cable Formulation) – wire using standard wire chemistries that exhibit best performance around 77K and in low magnetic fields, suitable for cable and FCL applications.
Wire and material manufacturer SuperPower’s focuses on (RE)BCO-based, second generation materials that offer the benefits of lower cost and superior performance. It is estimated that HTS technology applied to these electric power devices can produce a savings of $8 billion in reduced energy loss alone. A few applications include:
Generators with increased efficiency, reduced size and weight can increase generating capacity without requiring additional space, an important benefit where expansion is difficult. These features are especially beneficial for wind turbines where nacelle size and weight impact voltage output and aboard ships where space for cargo competes with operating machinery.
Transmission cables
Low power loss, increased current carrying capacity transmission cables that provide utilities the ability to increase power in urban areas by using existing cable ducts, foregoing the requirement to dig up congested urban areas to lay new ducts.
Transformers
Higher efficiency, lighter and more compact transformers with lower life cycle costs, containing no materials that threaten the environment or pose a fire hazard, and capable of operating above rated power without degrading life.
Superconducting Fault Current Limiting (SFCL) Transformers add compatibility with Smart Grid Requirements by incorporating the FCL feature into the transformer device to rapidly detect and limit surges at high power levels that can be handled by downstream equipment.
Superconducting fault-current limiters can limit damaging high-current transients (due to lightning strikes, downed tree limbs, and more) resulting in increased operational flexibility for the electric utility grid and offer enhanced safety, reliability and power quality. There is no corresponding conventional device today.
Superconducting magnetic energy storage devices
High power and high energy storage in a compact device with modular units to address both long term (hours) and short term (seconds) storage requirements to help load leveling on the grid being led by variable renewable sources such as solar and wind.
The recent SuperPower Quick Ship Program offers a variety of 2G HTS wire types in short piece lengths (up to 100 meters and longer), for delivery within 1-2 business days when purchased ‘as is,’ and upon acceptance of a purchase order. Quick Ship is ideal for customers who would like to obtain small quantities of 2G HTS wire for evaluation, testing or practice work, and who want to avoid the longer lead times associated with larger orders and custom specifications. The list below contains our currently available inventory. If you are interested in any of the segments listed, please contact us immediately because inventory is available on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis and changes regularly.
SuperPower Inc.
www.superpower-inc.com
Filed Under: Cables & connectors, Generators, News, Turbines
