LK-99 isn’t a superconductor – how science sleuths solved the mystery

Re:LK-99 isn’t a superconductor – how science sleuths solved... by cogman10 on Wednesday August 16, 2023 @05:47PM (#37154339)

The crux of the problem for superconductors used as power delivery is the "critical field" problem. [1]

Super conductors are superconductive to a point. Once that point is crossed they turn into regular conductors. (I've seen ~1A cited. For context, EVs charge at around 500A).

To make them useful for power transmission, you'd have to up the voltage to insane levels to avoid collapsing the field.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_field

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Re:LK-99 isn’t a superconductor – how science sleuths solved... by Eduard on Wednesday August 16, 2023 @06:19PM (#37154638)

or just go the straightforward way and use several transmissions in parallel, as it is already done for existing superconducting lines in production.

The AmpaCity project in Essen, Germany, gives insights about the implementation details, as the involved parties were required to publish their work.

https://www.enargus.de/pub/bscw.cgi/?op=enargus.eps2&q=%2201...

for the specific aspect under discussion, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology report is of interest:

https://www.tib.eu/de/suchen/id/TIBKAT:872231372/Ampacity-10...

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Re:LK-99 isn’t a superconductor – how science sleuths solved... by floxy on Wednesday August 16, 2023 @06:46PM (#37154899)

Superconductors have a critical current density (Ampere/m^2) that varies with temperature and external magnetic field[0]. So if you want more current, you need to use a bigger wire (and/or make it cooler). YBCO HTS tapes have enough current density for power transmission[1].

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yttrium_barium_copper_oxide#/m...

[1] https://www.amsc.com/comed-and-amsc-announce-successful-inte...

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