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To: ubetcha who wrote (75776)	9/2/2001 1:52:02 AM
From: ubetcha	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 116833

Superconductivity What can it do for me? Superconductivity is capturing the imagination of the world. Transmission lines that carry power without resistance, medical diagnostic tools that eliminate the need for surgery, "levitating" trains that speed along the tracks—these are not visions of the future, but examples of what superconductors are doing today. Superconductors conduct electricity without losing energy to electrical resistance, as most conductors do. Certain materials become superconductors when they are cooled to very low temperatures. Low-temperature superconductors exhibit superconductivity at temperatures near 0 Kelvin (K) (or -273o Celsius [C]). Recently discovered high-temperature superconductors (HTS) can function at temperatures as high as 140 K (-133oC). This is an exciting discovery because these high-temperature superconductors can be cooled more economically and efficiently than can low-temperature superconductors. Superconductors also repel surrounding magnetic fields. This phenomenon is demonstrated when we levitate a magnet above a cooled superconductor, and it is the force at work in Japan's famous Maglev train. Superconductors help us use energy more efficiently and reduce the cost of electricity production, storage, transmission, and use, and the costs of transportation and medical equipment. Some current uses, and some that hold the most promise for the near future, are these: Power transmission cables that carry current without energy losses will increase the capacity of the transmission system, saving money, space, and energy. Prototype power transmission cables have been developed and are being tested by teams led by Pirelli Cable Company and Southwire Company. Motors made with superconducting wire will be smaller and more efficient. A 1,000-horsepower motor has been constructed and is undergoing testing by an SPI team led by Rockwell Automation/Reliance Electric Company. Generators will use superconducting wire in place of iron magnets, making them smaller and lighter. New generators also may get more power from less fuel. An SPI team led by General Electric has developed a design for a 100-megavolt-ampere generator. Current controllers (i.e., fault-current limiters) help utilities deliver reliable power to their customers. HTS fault-current limiters detect abnormally high current in the utility grid (caused by lightning strikes or downed utility poles, for example). They then reduce the fault current so the system equipment can handle it. An SPI team led by General Atomics recently produced a successful HTS fault-current limiter that will soon be ready to market. Energy storage in both flywheels and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems will ensure the quality and reliability of the power transmitted to utility customers. In addition, energy storage provides utilities with cost savings by allowing them to store energy when the demand for electricity is low and generating the power is cheap. This stored energy is then dispensed when demand is high and power production is more expensive eren.doe.gov