Superconducting power cables

The potential merits of superconducting cables; compactness, high power capacity per cable, some reduction of running losses, and lower capital costs, are discusssed. These benefits will not become substantial until cables with ratings of several thousand MVA are required - two or three times present needs. Many arrangements are possible and there is plenty of scope for ingenuity and innovation in the design. The cable arrangement, choice of conductor, electrical insulation, thermal insulation and refrigeration, and the economics of superconducting power cable systems are discusssed. (U.K.)