SuperLink: Development and Impacts of a Superconducting Power Cable in a 110-kV Distribution Network

The SuperLink project has developed an advanced cable design technology utilizing superconducting wires with high engineering current density, designed to meet the demands of urban power distribution networks. The project aims to deliver a versatile and easily deployable 110 kV power link tailored to the infrastructure requirements of metropolitan areas, such as Munich, Germany. Achieving a 500 MVA power transmission capacity over a 15 km distance necessitates exceptional performance in several key areas: low AC losses in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) conductors, robust and compact cryogenic dielectric systems, and highly efficient thermal insulation. This study outlines the fundamental design principles of the SuperLink cable and provides a comprehensive analysis of its integration into a 110 kV network. Load flow simulations were conducted to assess network performance under different supply scenarios, with a focus on line loading and fault current levels. The results demonstrate that the SuperLink cable not only alleviates overloaded existing lines but also reduces overall network losses, highlighting its potential to enhance grid efficiency and reliability in urban environments.