The Potential Role of Superconducting Power Devices in Addressing the Challenges faced by the South African Power Grid

摘要

Through rapid advancements in superconducting manufacturing processes and cryogenic system solutions, rising energy costs, energy conservation and a focus on emissions reduction, superconducting power devices have now matured to a point wherein they are now being actively considered as options for some of the challenges facing modern power grids. Eskom, as the largest power utility in Africa, are now actively researching some of these solutions as part of their medium to long term technology plan. This paper aims to highlight some of the latest developments and grid installations of superconducting power devices around the world including fault current limiters, power cables (HVAC and HVDC), power transformers, renewable energy generators and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems (SMES), and their potential future role in the South African Power Grid.