The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a total of $51.8 million for five cost-shared projects intended to accelerate modernization of the electricity grid in the U.S.
This research will advance the development and application of high-temperature superconductors, which, according to DOE, have the potential to alleviate congestion on an electricity grid that is experiencing increased demand from consumers.
Among the selected projects are two initiatives by Westborough, Mass.-headquartered energy technology firm American Superconductor Corp. (AMSC). The company will lead the development of components required to commercially deploy an HTS power cable system powered by AMSC's second-generation (2G) high-temperature superconductivity wire - branded as 344 superconductors - in the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) power grid.
In addition, AMSC has been selected to develop and perform in-grid testing of a three-phase 115-kV fault current limiter (FCL) using the company's 344 superconductors. This demonstration will occur at a location operated by team member Southern California Edison, AMSC adds.
