Operational Test Results of a Prototype Superconducting Power Transmission System and Their Extrapolation to the Performance of a Large System

Superconducting cables have electrical characteristics which are similar to overhead lines in many ways. They will be suitable for long-distance circuits of relatively high power and are not similar or competitive with conventional underground cables and their usual applications. The testing of a prototype superconducting power transmission system has progressed to those of an operational nature such as unattended life tests, emergency ratings and simulated failure of the cooling system. The results are used to calculate the performance of a transmission system comprising 2 circuits in a route 100 miles long with a 1000 MVA rating. In addition the measured performance is compared with systems studies made during the development phase.