Low AC Loss YBCO Coated Conductor Geometry by Direct Inkjet Printing

Second generation high temperature superconductors BC50offer potential benefits for many electric power applications, including those that require filamentizated conductors with low ac loss, such as transformers and fault current limiters. However, the use of 2G wire in these applications requires the development of both novel multi-filamentary conductor designs with lower ac losses and advanced manufacturing technologies that enable the low-cost manufacturing of these filamentized architectures. This project will combine a novel, low-ac-loss filamentized architecture with an advanced manufacturing technique based on industrial inkjet printing. The overall goal is to develop a reel-to-reel processing technology, using commercially available inkjet technology, to produce low-ac-loss 2G wire in the lengths and quantities required for commercial applications. Phase I will: evaluate various conductor architectures that result in reduced ac loss, and demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing these architectures with inkjet printing in long lengths. Phase II will select a specific low-ac-loss conductor design that is compatible with inkjet printing and develop a low-cost, reel-to-reel inkjet printing process for manufacturing continuous lengths of wire. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: A low-ac-loss, high temperature superconductor wire should have immediate benefit in a number of power utility applications, including fault current limiters, transformers, motors, generators, and power cables. The improvement in the ac functionality of current 2G wire would increase the market penetration of HTS systems and improve the efficiency of power consumption within the United States. In addition, low ac wire should be an enabling technology for compact, high power density generators for advanced military and homeland security weapon systems, where weight and size are critical.