Second-Generation HTS Conductor Design and Engineering for Electrical Power Applications

Besides critical current and conductor length, thermal stability, mechanical properties and ac loss characteristics of second-generation (2G) HTS wire are very important performance parameters to electric power device applications. Each application sets specific technical requirements on conductors. The properties of the practical 2G HTS wire manufactured at SuperPower, Inc. have enabled satisfactory performance in a number of demonstration devices including cable, high-field magnetic coil and fault current limiter. Yet, effort is being made to develop new conductor structures and configurations toward further enhanced performance in order to extend the potential of 2G HTS wire over a wider application range. This paper describes a variety of newly developed configurations: striation, narrow width, low-resistance joints and high quality insulation. The performance of wire with new configurations will promote the wide use of 2G HTS wire.