Test results of full-scale high temperature superconductors cable models destined for a 36 kV, 2 kA(rms) utility demonstration

Power cable systems using high temperature superconductors (HTS) are nearing technical feasibility. This presentation summarises the advancements and status of a project aimed at demonstrating a 36 kV, 2 kA(rms) AC cable system by installing a 30 m long full-scale functional model in a power utility.

The expected benefits of such a system include reduced energy loss and increased power rating in a small cross-section. Electrical losses below 1 W/m/phase at 2 kA(rms) have been obtained in these conductors. The cable system consists of conventional electrical terminations in conjunction with thermal terminations, an HTS cable conductor including a flexible thermal insulation, a conventional room temperature dielectric, and a closed-loop circulating cooling system maintaining the temperature between 68 and 78 K.

Critical issues before the commercialisation of this technology are the improvement of the thermal insulation, and the reduction of costs. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.