The Development of Second Generation HTS Wire at American Superconductor

TLDR

Second‑generation YBCO high‑temperature superconductor wire is now produced in continuous lengths at American Superconductor using a full‑scale reel‑to‑reel line, enabling tailored electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties for specific applications such as cables and fault‑current limiters. This paper presents the current status of 2G wire manufacturing at AMSC, reviews the performance of the 344 superconductors, and summarizes initial application demonstrations. AMSC manufactures 2G wire by slitting a 4‑cm wide strip into multiple narrower wires and laminating them with metallic stabilizers to form a 3‑ply 344 superconductor, while enhancing superconducting performance with thicker YBCO layers and better flux‑pinning centers. The 344 superconductors exhibit projected performance improvements and have been demonstrated in initial applications, confirming their suitability for targeted uses.

Abstract

Second generation (2G) YBCO high temperature superconductor wire, based on the RABiTS/MOD process, is now being produced in continuous lengths at American superconductor (AMSC) using a full-scale, reel-to-reel manufacturing line. AMSC's approach for manufacturing 2G wire is designed around a low-cost, wide-strip technology, in which a 4-cm wide strip is slit into multiple narrower wires, then laminated to metallic stabilizers producing a 3-ply wire called 344 superconductors. A major advantage of this approach is the ability to tailor the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties and dimensions of the final wire for specific applications and operating conditions. This allows the final wire properties to be tuned for targeted applications, including cables and fault current limiters, by tailoring the resistivity and thickness of the stabilizer layers. The superconducting properties of the MOD-based YBCO are also being improved by the introduction of thicker YBCO layers and improved flux pinning centers. This paper describes the present status of 2G wire manufacturing at AMSC, reviews present and projected performance of the 344 superconductors, and summarizes initial application demonstrations utilizing 344 superconductors.