Congratulations to the world's first 35-kV kilometer-level superconducting power transmission demonstration project for reaching its full-load operation, with Shanghai Superconductor supplying all high-temperature superconducting tapes for the conductor l

2023-08-18

On August 18th, the world's first 35-kilovolt kilometer-level superconducting power transmission demonstration project successfully achieved full-load operation, reaching an operating current of 2160.12 amperes, and once again setting a new record for the largest actual operating capacity of commercial superconducting power transmission projects in China.

The project, initiated in February 2019, spans a total length of 1.2 kilometers with a rated current of 2200 amperes, adopting a “three-core” structure. The cable is divided into “conductor layer” and “shield layer”, both of which are prepared using superconducting tapes with different functions. The “conductor layer” tapes are used for current transmission, while the “shield layer” tapes are used to cancel out the magnetic field generated by the conductor layer. Under the organization and coordination of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information, the project was led by Shanghai Power Company, Shanghai Cable Research Institute, and Shanghai International Superconductor Company to complete the R&D and manufacturing of the cable system. Two superconducting material production enterprises in Shanghai supplied the superconducting materials, with Shanghai Superconductor providing all the conductor layer superconducting tapes used for current transmission. The successful high-current and high-load test once again confirms the exceptional current-carrying capacity of our company's products.

(a)  Three-phase: Phase A, Phase B, Phase C, sheathing layer, vacuum bellows

(b) Single-phase: shielding layer, current-carrying layer, copper skeleton, main insulation layer

The project was officially put into operation in December 2021 and has been running safely and stably for over 600 days, supplying nearly 300 million kWh of electricity to 49,000 users in Shanghai’s core areas, including Xujiahui business district and Shanghai Stadium, setting a precedent for the operation of kilometer-level superconducting cables in urban centers. Shanghai Superconductor is deeply honored to be a main supplier of this project. Recently, it has been undergoing comprehensive relocation and will continue to leverage its leading technology and products, expand production capacity, and further improve product performance and delivery capabilities, fully preparing for the upcoming 5-kilometer-level superconducting cable project, controlled nuclear fusion, and other large-scale commercial and demonstration projects.