Breakthrough in Superconducting Wire Technology

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the field of superconducting wires, particularly in the realm of rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO). These wires have achieved remarkable milestones in critical current density and pinning force, setting new records across various magnetic fields and temperatures ranging from 5 kelvin to 77 kelvin.

This temperature range, although still extremely cold at minus 451 degrees to minus 321 degrees Fahrenheit, represents a notable advancement compared to the absolute zero required for traditional superconductors to function. The implications of this achievement are substantial, paving the way for enhanced performance and efficiency in various applications.

"These results will help guide industry toward further optimizing their deposition and fabrication conditions to significantly improve the price-performance metric in commercial coated conductors," explains Amit Goyal, Ph.D., SUNY Distinguished Professor and SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "Enhancing the price-performance metric is crucial for unlocking the full potential of superconductors in numerous large-scale applications."

The applications of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires are diverse and impactful. They have the potential to revolutionize energy generation by increasing the power output of offshore wind generators. Additionally, grid-scale superconducting magnetic energy-storage systems can benefit from the advancements in superconducting wire technology.

Moreover, the use of HTS wires in energy transmission holds promise for enabling lossless power transmission in high current DC and AC transmission lines. This can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency and grid stability. Furthermore, highly efficient superconducting transformers, motors, and fault-current limiters can be developed using this cutting-edge technology.