Applications of supraconductivity in Electrical Engineering

Superconductivity is a historical theme at GREEN. It is organized mainly into two actions: "modeling and catacterization" and "electrical engineering applications".

The numerical modelling of 3D superconductors is a complex problem to solve because the equation linking the electric field E to the current density J is highly non-linear, three-dimensional and coupled to the thermal and magnetic equations. These numerical simulations or analytical developments will provide more accurate behavioural models for superconductors. The modeling is validated by metrological work concerning the characterization and measurement of AC losses.

The applications targeted are diverse and varied:

    Our activities in superconducting actuators include electric motors and generators, magnetic couplings and short-circuit current limiters. We have designed and dimensioned original superconducting inductors in which the configurations of the superconducting elements modulate or deflect the magnetic flux.
    A new and rapidly expanding field of application for superconductors is that of superconducting massive magnets, also known as "cryomagnets". These massive superconductors can generate intense magnetic fields in confined spaces.
    Concerning superconducting short-circuit current limiters, GREEN is working on their modelling and integration into electrical networks. Existing models need to be improved and integrated with network simulation software to allow a study of the limiter's behaviour and influence on the network.