A small-size superconducting generator concept

This paper discusses the characteristics and benefits of an air-core high temperature superconducting (HTS) generator in the low- to medium-sized power range. Compared to conventional generators, HTS generators are less expensive, lighter, more compact, efficient and reliable, and significantly superior at maintaining power system stability. American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) has developed a conceptual design for a 50 MW, 3600-RPM HTS generator (known as "SuperGenerator"). This HTS generator is 98 inches in diameter, 110 inches in length and has a mass of 28000 kg. The generator is designed for 6.6 kV line voltage. The generator is capable of operation as a virtual condenser absorbing 1.0 pu VArs on a continuous basis. In order to demonstrate the key technologies, a prototype 5 MW, 3600-RPM generator could be considered for construction as a test bed. Development of SuperGenerator is benefiting from critical HTS technologies developed under a DoE Superconductivity Partnership Initiative (SPI) program and under AMSC internal development efforts. A 1000 HP, 1800-RPM motor funded under the SPI program, and built by a team consisting of Rockwell Automation, AMSC, and others, was successfully operated in May 2000. An even larger 5000 hp, 1800-RPM motor being built by AMSC is planned for testing during the summer of 2001. HTS rotating machine technology is maturing rapidly, and the electric utility industry will undoubtedly benefit enormously from these advancements.