Application of Superconductors-High Tc and Otherwise-to Electric Power Generators

ABSTRACT Because superconducting magnets are capable of making large magnetic fluxes over large volumes of space with no dissipation and without the need for iron magnetic circuits, they appear to offer distinct advantages for use in electric machinery. In addition to eliminating the field winding losses, superconductors help improve efficiency by increasing flux density, thus shortening the armature conductor length per unit of flux linked. The elimination of iron allows for innovations in generator design and reduces reactance, thus improving dynamic performance. The basic feasibility of using metallic superconductors, operating at liquid helium temperature, has been demonstrated by investigators at several different organizations. While there is not yet agreement on exactly how a superconducting generator would be built, it is generally agreed that machines using liquid helium temperature conductors will be economically viable in at least some range of ratings.The use of higher transition temperature s...