Controlled Processing for High-Performance Fine Filament Bi-2223 Conductors

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Controlled Processing for High-Performance Fine Filament Bi-2223 Conductors--American Superconductor Corporation, Two Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1727;
(508) 836-4200
Dr. Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Principal Investigator
Mr. Ramesh Ratan, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82321
Amount: $75,000

High-temperature superconducting wire technology is a basic building block that can provide a comprehensive solution to the problems of improving the efficiency of delivering electric power. In order to commercially acceptable, however, this wire has to be low cost and high performance.
The development of novel processes for fabrication of fine filaments of bismuth-2223 conductors offers the promise of substantial performance improvements and cost reductions. In this Phase I project, two novel and heretofore unexplored thermal processing concepts will be investigated that pertain to the thermodynamic aspects unique to fine filament bismuth-2223 composites. A novel controlled manufacturing process will also be developed through which long and continuous lengths of high-performance high-temperature superconductors can be fabricated. Successful work in Phase I will enable substantially greater control over the microstructural development in bismuth-2223 composites, particularly in terms of achieving a higher level of phase purity and further simulating the beneficial effects of reaction- induced texturing. As a result, specific critical parameters, such as current density and product yield, will be improved, ultimately resulting in a new class of high-performance bismuth-2223 composites. The Phase II project would focus on developing the production-scale thermal process and equipment and equipment so that a quality manufacturing technology can result.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: If successful, this project will substantially improve the price to performance ratio of bismuth-2223 conductor, and in conjunction with other work, will achieve a production cost of no more than $10 per kiloampere per meter, a cost making silver or bismuth-2223 attractive for many power system and high energy physics applications.

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