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Large‐scale applications of superconductivity

JUL 01, 1977
After 66 years, the technology of electric current without resistance is now starting to compete in generating, transforming and transmitting power, propelling ships and levitating trains—with economy and reliability.
Brian B. Schwartz
Simon Foner

Ever since its discovery by Kamerlingh Onnes in 1911, superconductivity has contained the promise of important applications. The ability of superconductors to carry current without resistance was expected to revolutionize the field of electrical engineering. The fulfillment of this promise, however, was deferred for half a century; it is only since the mid 1960’s that there has been much progress in applied superconductivity. Superconductivity, with its ability to generate an intense, large‐volume magnetic field economically, can now offer alternatives in the fields of energy generation, storage and distribution as well as in transportation. Some prototype quasi‐commercial devices are already in use, and approximately 30 million dollars are being spent annually to develop this technology further.

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References

  1. 1. Superconducting Machines and Devices (S. Foner, B. B. Schwartz, eds.), Plenum, New York (1974).

  2. 2. Superconductor Applications: SQUIDS and Machines (B. B. Schwartz, S. Foner, eds.), Plenum, New York (1977).

  3. 3. Proceedings of the Applied Superconductivity Conference, 1974,
    IEEE Transactions on Magnetics MAG‐11, 85 (1975).https://doi.org/IEMGAQ

  4. 4. Proceedings of the Applied Superconductivity Conference, 1976,
    IEEE Transactions on Magnetics MAG‐13, 1 (1977).https://doi.org/IEMGAQ

More about the authors

Brian B. Schwartz, Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Simon Foner, Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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This Content Appeared In
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Volume 30, Number 7

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