HTS prototype for power transmission cables: recent results and future programmes

HTS cables promise a number of special benefits in terms of their high current carrying capacity, reduced electrical losses, compact overall dimensions, low weight and minimal environmental impact. This paper describes four application-focused HTS cable projects in progress within the Pirelli Group, to demonstrate the feasibility of 'warm dielectric' and 'cold dielectric' HTS technology at medium and extra high voltage. Particular attention will be devoted to the Pirelli-EPRI-DoE project that was successfully concluded in January 1999 with the demonstration of a 50 m 400 MVA 115 kV pipe-type retrofit HTS cable system capable of carrying 2 kA(rms) ac. Details on the final high voltage tests and ac loss measurements are reported.