Superconducting Transmission Systems: Review, Classification, and Technology Readiness Assessment

This paper provides an extended review of projects and implementations for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) transmission systems worldwide. Projects are categorized based on a multi-criteria analysis that considers transmission technology, i.e., ac or dc, laboratory, or commercial activity, and classified according to operating characteristics, e.g., length, voltage/current level, power capacity, and cooling means. A survey about applications that can be supported by HTS links is also presented, whereas technical challenges that impede the more massive grid penetration of HTS systems are highlighted. Finally, the current technology readiness for both ac and dc implementations is assessed and a discussion about future HTS-links adoption is provided.