Superconducting generators: Economics, technical considerations and ancillary technology

An economic analysis of superconducting generators was performed[1] and compared with analyses by Westinghouse[2] and General Electric[3]. Superconducting generators were compared with conventional generators over a 30-year operating life using three energy sources (nuclear fuel, coal and oil), and including the effects of inflation on fuel and operating costs. The ADL analysis shows that operating cost savings of a 1200 MVA superconducting unit can be approximately 70% of the capital cost of a conventional generator driven by a coal-fired steam turbine. Principal R&D needs for superconducting generators and the limitations of ancillary technology are also discussed.