HIGH-CURRENT CONDUCTORS USING HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS

A collaborative project aimed at developing high-current conductors us ing high-temperature superconductors has been undertaken by the Hirst Division of GEC-Marconi Materials Technology on behalf of GEC ALSTHOM. This wide-ranging project involving the laboratories of five leading European electrical companies within the framework of the BRITE/EURAM programme has examined various methods of processing the Y-123, Tl-bas ed and Bi-based superconductors into long lengths of composite conduct or capable of carrying hundreds of amperes. It has also provided the o pportunity to search systematically for novel materials with potential ly superior properties, using a laboratory robot.