SBIR-STTR Award

Second generation, coated superconductor wires (YBCO material), needed for electricity transmission, have demonstrated the ability to produce 100 Amp, long-length conductors at approximately 10 times the cost of copper wires. This cost is unacceptable. In order to meet the DOE’s cost target of $10/kA-m, significant improvements in current-carrying-density capability will be required, with a target carrying capacity of 1000A/cm-wdith. This project will develop component process technology to create effective flux pinning centers in the superconducting material, leading to the production of cost-effective superconductor wires in widths of 1000 A/cm. Phase I will utilize patented Assisted Molecular Beam Processes at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to develop nanoparticle-induced, effective pinning centers that will significantly improve current density at both self and external magnetic fields. The compatibility of the approach with LANL’s recently developed CeO2 spacer layers, to achieve 1000A/cm-width tapes at the self field, will be demonstrated.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The technology should enable second generation superconductor wires to be manufactured at the DOE target of $10/kA-m, which would have an immense impact on American culture. The increased efficiencies would allow the nation’s outdated power grid to be overhauled with superconductor wires, bringing more secure power transmission and infrastructure capacity and enabling economic growth at projected rates for another 50 years