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 approximately 155,000 meters of high-temperature superconductor wire manufactured by American Superconductor, installed underground and chilled to superconducting temperature with liquid nitrogen.[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 U.S. 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 system capacity is 574 MVA with an operating voltage of 138 kV at a maximum current of 2400 A.
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
- 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 (PDF)
- 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
- Gelsi, Steve (2008-07-10). "Power firms grasp new tech for aging grid". Market Watch. Retrieved 2008-07-11.