Buffalo University scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires that can conduct electricity without resistance at temperatures higher than traditional superconductors. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize the energy infrastructure and support the commercialization of nuclear fusion.
Research, published in the journal Nature Communications, showcases the production of HTS wires with exceptional performance and improved economic characteristics. By utilizing rare-earth barium-copper oxide (Rebco), the wires demonstrated the highest critical current density and magnetic vortex strength across all magnetic fields and temperatures ranging from 5 to 77 kelvins.
Although these temperatures are still very low, varying from minus 451 to minus 321 degrees Fahrenheit, they exceed the absolute zero at which traditional superconductors operate. These findings are expected to help industries refine production processes, leading to significant enhancements in the economic viability of commercial conductors.
HTS wires have diverse applications across various sectors. In the energy industry, they can enhance the power output of wind turbines, facilitate the development of large-scale energy storage systems, and enable energy transmission without losses through both direct and alternating current lines. Additionally, they can improve energy system efficiency through the use of highly effective transformers, motors, and current limiters in electrical networks.
One of the most promising applications of HTS wires is in commercial nuclear fusion, offering the potential for abundant clean energy production. Numerous companies globally are investing billions of dollars in developing HTS wires for commercial nuclear fusion. Other areas of application include medical technology (next-generation MRI machines), pharmaceutical research (nuclear magnetic resonance), and defense applications like fully electric ships and aircraft.