Superconducting Power Dense Inductors and reactors for Power Filtering Applications

Superconducting 3-30 MVA transformers for the Navy will have reduced size and weight, lower AC losses, and be liquid cryogen free. The smaller size and lower weight will have benefits in increasing capacity in limited ship spaces or reducing the area requirements for existing capacities. In addition to these more conventional attributes, the superconducting transformer has the potential of having significant system benefits. These benefits come from reducing the short circuit current in the system and lower transformer impedance. The superconducting wire has current limiting capability. This can reduce the interrupting ratings of circuit breakers and in some cases, permit the use of mesh networks for a tightly coupled power system. The lower transformer impedance will improve voltage regulation and stability; and increase real and reactive power availability to the power system. This STTR Phase II and Phase II OPTION will continue the demonstration of superconducting magnesium diboride (MgB2) wire for coils for transformers, inductors, and reactors. This STTR program is intended to gain enough information about MgB2 superconducting wire and MgB2 transformer coil characteristics so that after the STTR program is complete a full size 3 phase prototype superconducting transformer development program could be started. Our STTR program will optimize superconductor wire and cable configurations and test wires for AC losses. We will model, design, build, and test MgB2 coils for their transformer characteristics.