Superconductors are materials that, at very low temperatures, conduct electricity without resistance or energy losses. The discovery of high-temperature (above 20 Kelvin or -424 Fahrenheit) superconductivity in the late 1980s sparked interest in this technology because less costly refrigeration systems could be used. Lower refrigeration costs meant that many more superconductive applications were likely to become commercially viable. Over the last 15 years, U.S. national laboratories, universities and private companies have invested significant resources to develop HTS materials and applications. A variety of HTS applications are expected to enter the market some time between 2005 and 2010.

Photo courtesy of Jim Yost Photography and DOE/NREL

Many HTS applications have the potential to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the U.S. electric grid. HTS technology can improve the efficiency of electric power sector applications, such as power cables, transformers, generators and motors. In addition, HTS materials are enabling the development of new technologies - such as fault current limiters and superconductive magnetic energy storage devices - that can improve the reliability of the grid.

HTS Publications

• High-Temperature Superconductivity Brochure (*.pdf)
• A folder with more in-depth information about HTS applications for the electric power sector can be obtained by contacting Allan Goldberg at (515) 281-8912 or Allan.Goldberg@dnr.state.ia.us

Links For Further Information

• Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability
  U.S. Department of Energy
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors
• Superconductors.org
  A nonprofit site with an introduction to superconductivity
• American Superconductor Corporation
• SuperPower,Inc.

DNR Contact

Allan Goldberg
(515) 281-8912
Allan.Goldberg@dnr.iowa.gov