Field Test and Short-circuit Test of HTS Power Cable

In order to cope with the increase in the electric power demand and an alternative technology to the conventional electric power transmission cables, it's hoped that high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable is developed. In case the HTS cable is introduced into the actual power grid, its length can extend up to several kilometers. The flow properties of liquid nitrogen (LN2) that is a coolant of the HTS cable have not been understood yet. Thus, CRIEPI, Furukawa Electric and Super-GM had constructed an HTS cable test system with its length of 500 m. The rated voltage is 77 kV corresponding to one of the major voltage level of medium-voltage transmission lines. The rated current is 1 kA. We had carried out a numerous set of tests such as measurement of LN2 flow properties, current flow properties, electrical insulation properties, thermal insulation properties and so forth. In addition, short-circuit test was carried out using 10 m HTS cables that is same structure as the 500 m HTS power cable. The test was conducted with the supply voltage of 16 kV and the prospective short-circuit current of 31.5 kA using a short-circuit generator.