Life Sciences Division Part of Initiative for Superconducting Transformer (September 1998)

A Superconductivity Partnership Initiative was signed on September 1, 1998, by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Waukesha Electric Systems, Waukesha, Wisconson, that is a mega boost toward next-generation transformers that are vastly more efficient, reliable and compact.

The goal of the three-year $6 million cooperative agreement is to design, build and test a prototype transformer rated at 5 mega-volt-ampere with a 10-mega-volt-ampere overload -- or emergency -- capability. One megawatt will light 10,000 100-watt light bulbs. The initiative pools the resources of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Intermagnetics General, and Rochester Gas and Electric with those of transformer manufacturer Waukesha.

The 5/10-mega-volt-ampere superconducting transformer will be a scaled-down version of the final product, a 30-mega-volt-ampere commercial unit that will weigh half that of a conventional transformer. Furthermore, the superconducting transformer will not contain the thousands of gallons of cooling and insulating oil, a potential fire and environmental hazard. Superconducting transformers could be in wide use in about 20 years. The goal of the project is to fund cutting-edge research on difficult but important engineering problems.

ORNL is the only national laboratory involved in the initiative. ORNL has several science and engineering roles that will call upon resources in the Fusion Energy, Life Sciences, and Energy divisions. Tasks include helping to develop high-voltage bushings that operate at cryogenic temperatures and conducting studies on electrical insulation materials, geometries and sub-scale testing to verify the transformer design. (Contact: I. Sauers, sau@ornl.gov, 574-4662; Funding Source: DOE Office of Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy) Note: Press release 8/31/98.