No. 1088
Performance of Superconducting Apparatus in Electric Power Systems
Investigating R&D Committee on
Performance of Superconducting Apparatus in Electric Power Systems
Superconducting apparatus in electric power systems contains power cables, energy storage systems (SMES, flywheel), fault current limiters, transformers, generators and motors to which superconductor is applied.

Introduction of the apparatus is expected to improve characteristics of power systems in terms of stability, power quality, efficiency and so on. Today, to maintain stable power supply and fine power quality and to reduce cost and environmental burdens are simultaneously requested in formation and operation of power systems. Installation of the superconducting apparatus can be a promising choice to meet the request.

Many field tests of the superconducting apparatus have been conducted in recent years. The results of the tests will prove that the superconducting apparatus is very useful, dependable enough and not so difficult to handle in comparison with conventional one, which leads to practical use of the superconducting apparatus.

Therefore, the committee has mainly investigated R&D and tests of the superconducting apparatus which aim to demonstrate performance of the apparatus in power systems for practical use. The report covers the R&D status, analytical models, effects of installation and test results of the superconducting apparatus. Contents of the chapter on analytical models will be very useful for analyses on characteristics of power systems with superconducting apparatus. The status of development of superconducting materials is described as well. Problems of growing importance in power systems are also mentioned, which can serve as technical resources for young engineers.

©2007. The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan