New second-generation superconducting materials that carry as much as 100 times the current of ordinary conductors such as copper may become the dominant material for high-power transmission lines.  These and other dramatic advances in electricity transmission will be a main attraction next month when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) unveils its world energy conference, styled Innovative Technologies for an Efficient and Reliable Electricity Supply, at a hotel in Boston September 27 - 29.  The public is welcome to attend by registering at the website.

Thanks to their ability to achieve a superconducting state at temperatures attainable using inexpensive liquid nitrogen (approx 77K),  the new materials may help revolutionize many elements of the power grid. Near-zero-loss superconducting transmission lines are expected to solve many of the challenges involved with getting electricity from remote, wind-rich areas to the cities and industries that actually need it.  In addition to higher operating temperatures, the new generation of  superconducting materials can operate at higher levels of background magnetic fields, making them excellent candidates for improving the efficiency and reliability of the transformers, switches motors and generators.

These applications will be highlighted by SuperPower of Schenectady, New York, in both the presentation they will be making at the IEEE conference and in the exhibit they will have on the conference's show floor.  "The main focus of our work is on the development and manufacture of second-generation high-temperature superconducting wire (HTS)," said Trudy Lehner, senior director.  "Benefits include greatly reduced power losses, elimination of pollution and fire hazards, easier siting ... due to the improved energy density they can be sited in locations that are not possible now."  In addition to improved reliability and quality of power, HTS devices are smaller and lighter than conventional devices, reducing the amount of space required in substations.  The size and weight benefit also addresses important requirements for wind turbine generators and increased operational flexibility for the utility grid.

Art Kazanjian, general manager of SuperPower, joined Lehner as they gave a preview on what the firm will be presenting at the conference in comments by phone from their office on the ScienceNews Radio Network program, the Promise of Tomorrow with Colonel Mason (click on this link to hear the broadcast).