Second Generation (2G) HTS Wire

A key component of higher-capacity, more efficient electrical systems

AMSC’s High Temperature Superconductor YBCO wire represents a vast improvement over conventional copper wire. Its high power density and high efficiency enables a broad range of military and commercial applications, including:

• Ship propulsion motors
• Degaussing systems
• Airborne generators
• Magnets for microwave power sources
• Power transmission cables
• Electric motors and generators
• Transformers
• Synchronous condensers
• Fault current limiters

HTS wire conducts more than 150 times the electrical current of the equivalent copper wire. Electrical systems that incorporate 2G HTS wire will become dramatically smaller, lighter and more cost-effective.

Inside the HTS wire manufacturing process

AMSC manufactures HTS wire in the world’s first commercial-volume HTS manufacturing plant, located in Devens, Massachusetts. Here, AMSC optimizes the wire’s electrical and mechanical properties for a broad range of applications.

Phase 1: Superconductor wire production. 

Our 2G YBCO HTS wire manufacturing process begins with very long and wide strips of superconductor material produced in a high-speed, continuous-reel deposition process (similar to making motion-picture film). The strips are slit and laminated into industry-standard 4.4-mm-wide, tape-shaped wires.

     >>Learn about 2G HTS wire architecture.

Phase 2: Specialized product production.

In this phase, fabrication occurs to meet specific application needs. The wires are laminated on both sides with copper, stainless steel or brass to provide strength, durability and the required electrical characteristics. The resulting 3-ply, 4.4-mm-wide 2G HTS wires are called 344 superconductors.

AMSC currently manufactures three types of 344 superconductors:

• 344 Superconductors - Type 348C. Reinforced with copper, this is the preferred 2G HTS wire for coils, and other applications requiring the highest engineering current density

• 344 Superconductors - Type 344S. Stainless steel-stabilized second generation HTS wire providing a high resistance stabilizer for applications such as fault current limiters
  

• 344 Superconductors - Type 344B. Brass-reinforced and stabilized second generation HTS wire for high-current cable applications

 AMSC’s 344 superconductors can directly replace AMSC’s 1G HTS wire (as well as 1G HTS wire made by other manufacturers.

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HTS Wire Products

• » Second Generation (2G) Wire - 344 Superconductors
• » First Generation (1G) HTS Wire
• » Insulated HTS Wire

Applications

• » HTS Cables
• » HTS Motors & Generators
• » HTS Degaussing Coils
• » HTS Magnets
• » Secure Super Grids™ Technology
  

Literature

• » Request our free Secure Super Grids™ technology white paper
• » Superconductor Cable Application Note
• » Service Notes
• » Wire Architecture
• » About Superconductivity
• » Wire Glossary

More Literature »

Next Steps…

• » Request more information
  
• » Contact us
• » Attend an event/ webinar