Comparative cost study of the processes for producing niobium--tin (Nb3Sn) superconducting tapes for their application to power transmission lines. Final report

This report considers the manufacture of superconducting Nb3Sn tapes for ac superconducting transmission cables. The 14 product examples studied are produced by processes involving solid-state diffusion of Sn and Nb and/or physical vapor deposition. Production of 80,000 km per year is assumed, sufficient for 100 km of 3 phase ac line. Results are summarized in a table entitled ''Variants of 6 mm wide Nb3Sn Superconducting Tapes with Economics of Manufacture.'' The table identifies the 14 product examples by method of manufacture; by the composition of the layers integrated into the tape; and by the final thickness of Nb used in 12 of the product examples. The estimated fixed capital for plant is listed for each product example together with the estimated costs of manufacture in cents per meter of tape. The total manufacturing cost given is the sum of the costs of raw materials, operating labor, depreciation and other overhead. The depreciation is calculated on a 10 year straight line basis. Stainless steel strip (304L) is used in 6 of the product examples. The final line in the table shows the ''selling price'' which will earn the equivalent of 20 percent p.a. on the total capital, fixed and working, employed at any time during an eleven-year plant life where depreciation is sum of year digits for a 10 year period, investment credit is 10 percent, and income tax is 48 percent. 13 tables, 21 figures