Comparative Analysis of MgB2 Cable Layouts for 1 GW Superconducting Transmission-Insights From the SCARLET Project

The European project SCARLET is dedicated to advancing the integration and application of superconducting technologies for medium voltage direct current (MVDC) systems. One of the main innovations within SCARLET is the development of a dual-purpose infrastructure that combines the transmission of bulk electricity and liquid hydrogen. The MgB₂ superconducting cable, operating at around 20 K, finds its suitable environment within the pipeline for liquid hydrogen transport. This integration promises a compact and economically attractive solution for the simultaneous distribution of hydrogen and electricity. In this paper, we present various designs of the MgB₂ cable core, showcasing results from electro-thermal simulations and highlighting the strengths and potential challenges. The intent of this work is to help identify the most effective cable configuration that meets the requirements of energy efficiency and compactness, while also considering the constraints associated with the production phase. In addition, to enhance the sensitivity to the thermal behaviour, a thermal model was developed and presented.