Superconductors: An Emerging Technology Report for the Defence Science Institute

The field of superconductivity is rich in history – more than 100 years – yet still at the forefront of scientific and technological revolutions that have not only led to new markets but also continue to disrupt existing markets. Superconducting science, technology and engineering is poised to transform completely the global energy sector over the next twenty to thirty years through lower cost and more efficient generation, distribution and storage of electrons. These benefits from superconductivity will accrue in different applications or market segments depending on the relative performance (e.g. current density, magnetic field strength, materials properties) at specific operating temperatures which can range from ~20 K to ~ 100 K at the present time. Superconductivity invokes two key physical attributes that are used in a wide range of applications. These attributes are zero electrical resistance for transfer of electrons and the expulsion of magnetic flux fields in a solid when cooled below a certain temperature, Tc, called the critical temperature. These attributes currently apply to 32 classes of materials or at least 500 specific compounds that meet these criteria. The past thirty years of research, development and demonstration has resulted in a plethora of new materials identified as superconductors – more than twice the number identified in the previous 60 years – with clear implications that additional new materials will continue to be identified. The pace of enquiry will continue unabated until a superconductor with a Tc > 300 K or higher is synthesised and trialled as a wire or tape. The development of new applications will then massively transform many market sectors including the maritime environment