Potential impact of superconductivity on power quality enhancment

Electric power quality problems are estimated to cost U.S. industry $26 billion dollars per year in lost production. This paper provides a summary of the problem's magnitude, an overview of the underlying causes, discusses the present methods used by industry to reduce the problem's impact and the associated cost, and examines the potential for superconducting technology to effect alternative solutions. The present market for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and power conditioners is also discussed and the benefits of applying high temperature superconductors (HTS) are summarized