DEVELOPMENT OF AG-CLAD BI-2223 SUPERCONDUCTORS FOR ELECTRIC-POWER APPLICATIONS

Development of high-temperature superconductor technology will make po ssible the design and fabrication of smaller, lighter and more efficie nt power devices such as motors, generators, transformers, transmissio n cables and fault-current limiters. A prototype fault-current limiter , a 200 hp motor and a 50 m long transmission cable have already been demonstrated using Ag-clad Bi-2223 superconductor tapes. We have recen tly enhanced the transport current properties of long lengths of multi filament Ag-clad Bi-2223 tapes through increased packing density of pr ecursor powder, improved mechanical deformation, optimization of condu ctor design and adjusted cooling rate. These improved processing param eters had a pronounced effect on the transport critical current of the superconducting tapes. Our improvements are briefly discussed and the ir implications are assessed in this paper.