Development of long superconducting tapes with improved engineering properties, produced by a green processing route

A new, scalable production technology is developed in view of the continuous manufacture of second-generation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires with competitive production costs and improved performance. The key point resides in the simultaneous coating of both sides of the substrate, a development that will result in a near doubling of the engineering critical density. A demonstration pre-pilot plant will be built and tested with the goal of producing a 100m long wire.

Specific improvements of sensitive elements of the tape fabrication technology will be performed. In particular, non-magnetic metallic substrates with low ac-losses will be developed and the effect of different gravity conditions experienced by the buffer and HTS gel precursors processed on both sides of the substrate will be studied. The active participation of the company Ultera (a Southwire / NKT cables Joint Venture) will ensure that the project covers research aspects linking applied materials science research to engineering developments.