NEW SUPERCONDUCTING TRANSFORMER lightweight and compact
Researchers Basic STW Technology and the University of Twente, in cooperation with Smit Transformatoren and Smit Draad, have developed a prototype for a superconducting coil transformer, which is not only more compact, but also energy efficient. A keen interest in this development has already been expressed by several companies.
The coil is made of superconducting wires isolated on the recently patented method. Furthermore, with Smit Transformatoren, researchers have developed a method ventilation coil.
The superconducting ceramic material made of BSCCO. This so-called high-temperature superconductor allows current to flow without loss of energy, when the material is cooled to -196 | C. New insulation had to endure such a low temperature. Therefore, researchers have preferred polyimide film.
Silver covering casing continuous filaments of a superconducting material, prevents them from breaking. Like the adhesive tape in an audio tape superconductor rectangular in cross section has the - 4 mm in width and 0.3 mm in thickness. Typical insulating coating technique would make the rectangular conductors unreliable because the sharp edges of the conductor coating is complete, which can cause destruction of the wires at the moment of supply current.
To prevent such a scenario, STW researchers have developed an alternative procedure for isolation. However Smit Draad, they have developed a method in which the insulating layer could be wound around the superconductive tape. This isolation protects against voltage of a few kilovolts.
The method has already been tested at the request of various companies. For example, American Superconductor Corp. is already selling the guides, who were isolated Smit Draad.
The research team expects to receive a variety of applications of this technology in a compact and lightweight superconducting devices, which set new superconducting coil and thread. The compact design of transformers allows their use in electric trains. Also superconductors could guarantee greater energy savings in power supply from power stations to cities by reducing losses in transmission.
Contact information: Michel Filippens, philippens@nwo.nl, 31-70-344 0784, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research
