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 nearin g technical feasibility. This presentation summarises the advancements and status of a project aimed at demonstrating a 36 kV, 2 kA(rms) AC cable syst em 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 in creased 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 syst em consists of conventional electrical terminations in conjunction with the rmal terminations, an HTS cable conductor including a flexible thermal insu lation, a conventional room temperature dielectric, and a closed-loop circu lating cooling system maintaining the temperature between 68 and 78 K. Crit ical issues before the commercialisation of this technology are the improve ment of the thermal insulation, and the reduction of costs. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.