Superconductors, unlike copper wire, have no resistance to the flow of electricity, i.e. they are perfect electrical conductors. Consequently, electric power devices fabricated with superconductors typically are lighter, smaller, safer (no flammable oils) and more efficient than their conventional counterparts. SuperPower’s focus has been on the development of 2G HTS wire (or (RE)BCO coated conductors), in part using technology developed at the DOE National Laboratories, and based on composition of matter patent rights licensed from Lucent Technologies. 2G HTS wire is produced in an automated, continuous process using inexpensive metal alloy “tape” as the base substrate material. Processing methods, akin to those used in the semiconductor industry, include deposition of buffer, superconductor and protective overlayers. Benefits of 2G HTS wire: Higher temperature operation Better performance in background magnetic field Promises to ultimately reduce cost to a level comparable to copper wire High critical density
