Scientists at Florida State University have used helium gas to cool superconductive cables in a breakthrough that could enable the development of next-generation power systems for future naval ships with advanced weapons systems.
The discovery was made as part of a research project examining the use of high-conductivity electrical cables in power applications for naval vessels and aircraft. The conductive materials, which offer a lighter alternative to copper and high operating temperatures, must be cooled to a certain temperature to be “super conductive.” In ground applications, say the researchers, conductive materials are often cooled with liquid nitrogen; however, nitrogen can be dangerous in naval or aerospace combat scenarios because it displaces oxygen and is flammable.
Now, researchers from Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems have discovered a new method of adequately cooling electrical cables for naval and aerospace power applications.
“We were the first to demonstrate large currents with superconducting cables cooled with helium gas,” Sastry Pamidi, lead scientist of the Superconductivity and Cryogenics Laboratory, said. “Helium has been used to cool other materials and devices, never power cables. [Helium] is the only viable solution for ships, so we have been working on it for the past four to five years.”
The team generated up to three megawatts with the helium-cooled cables, and hopes to attain 100 megawatts in the next five to 10 years.
“We are very confident that this is a viable technological advance, and we are eager to continue experimenting,” Pamidi said.
