Holbrook Superconductor Project

The Holbrook Superconductor Project is the world's first production superconducting transmission power cable.[1] The lines were commissioned in 2008.[2] The suburban Long Island electrical substation is fed by a 600 meter long tunnel containing about 99 miles of high-temperature superconductor wire manufactured by American Superconductor, installed underground and chilled with liquid nitrogen to minimize power loss in the transmission lines.[3]

The superconductor is bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (BSCCO) which superconducts at liquid nitrogen temperatures. Other parts of the system include a 13,000 US gallons (49,000 L) liquid nitrogen storage tank, a Brayton Helium refrigerator, and a number of cryostats which manage the transition between cryogenic and ambient temperatures.[1]

The project was funded by the United States Department of Energy, and operates as part of the Long Island Power Authority power grid.[1]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Frank SCHMIDT (2007), Development and demonstration of a long length transmission voltage cold dielectric superconducting cable to operate in the Long Island Power Authority grid
  2. ↑ Maguire, J.F.; Yuan, J. (2009), "Status of high temperature superconductor cable and fault current limiter projects at American Superconductor", Physica C: Superconductivity 469 (15-20): 874, doi:10.1016/j.physc.2009.05.089
  3. ↑ Gelsi, Steve (2008-07-10). "Power firms grasp new tech for aging grid". Market Watch. Retrieved 2008-07-11.