Superconducting cable technology in development

A new arrangement between Japan’s Chubu University and ASG Superconductors hopes to expedite development of superconducting cable technology for DC power transmission over long distances.

DC superconducting power transmission is expected to play a significant role in power grids, smart cities and green ports, and all power-hungry areas and activities positively affected by an electrification, particularly when renewable energies will represent the vast majority of the power production.

The energy transmission over long distances generally encounters environmental problems, both due to the large footprint of the lines and to the heating of the soil due to energy dissipations. The superconducting technology allows to contain environmental impact (-10X material quantity and footprint) and presents no losses and significantly reduces the installation and operating costs.

Chubu University, supported by the Japanese government and industries, has promoted development of superconducting DC transmission technologies for more than 15 years for implementation into society, included the construction and operation of the world's longest class 1000 m DC transmission line and 500 m line that demonstrate power transmission from a solar power plant to an internet data centre.

ASG is actively pursuing new applications of superconductivity with high temperature superconducting materials and MgB2 to achieve cost-effective solutions for industrial and power quality systems.

"I strongly believe that by combining experiences, knowledge and ongoing efforts at Chubu University with those at ASG, we can create, within a few years' time, an innovation in a power grid system for a low-carbon emission society. I expect that this collaboration of expertise and resources will produce a synergy that will result in the speedy and efficient development in achieving our goals that will benefit society on a global basis," said Professor Osamu Motojima of Chubu University.

ASG Superconductors CEO Sergio Frattini said the collaboration is essential to development success.

"This agreement is another important step to improve our positioning in developing innovative superconducting cable technology.

"The fruitful collaboration with a prestigious and expert partner like Chubu University will put ASG in the best condition in order to explore and develop high-temperature superconducting materials, wires and systems for green energy storage, transport and high energy consumption industrial processes," Frattini said.

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