Imagine a world where transporting massive amounts of electricity is as efficient and streamlined as moving data through fiber optic cables. Scientists at CERN have made a significant leap towards this future with the development of a groundbreaking superconducting transmission line. This innovative technology, resembling a “metal python” in its form, promises to redefine how we think about electrical power transport, potentially impacting cities and industries worldwide.
This 60-meter marvel is not just another cable; it’s the first of its kind, designed to carry unprecedented levels of electrical current within a relatively compact space. Initially created for CERN’s High-Luminosity LHC, set to commence operations in 2026, this superconducting line has already proven its mettle in rigorous tests, transporting a staggering 40,000 amps. To put this into perspective, that’s 20 times more current than conventional copper cables of similar size can handle at room temperature.
The secret behind this “Cool Transport” lies in its composition. The line utilizes superconducting cables crafted from magnesium diboride (MgB2). This remarkable material exhibits zero electrical resistance when supercooled, allowing for the transmission of incredibly high current densities without any energy loss. However, achieving this superconducting state requires chilling the cables to a frigid 25 Kelvin (-248°C). To maintain this temperature, the cable is encased within a cryostat – a thermally insulated pipe. Helium gas circulates within the cryostat, acting as a coolant to keep the magnesium diboride at its operational temperature.
The true breakthroughs here are twofold: the creation of a flexible superconducting system and the successful implementation of magnesium diboride as a superconductor in this context. According to project leader Amalia Ballarino, “The line is more compact and lighter than a comparable copper line, and it boasts superior cryogenic efficiency compared to traditional low-temperature superconducting links that require cooling to 4.5 K.”
Having demonstrated the feasibility of this system, the CERN team successfully tested its connection to room-temperature components in March. In its intended application within the High-Luminosity LHC, these superconducting lines, reaching up to 140 meters in length, will serve as crucial links between power converters and magnets, which are located some distance from the accelerator itself. These lines will power multiple circuits, capable of transporting electrical currents up to a massive 100,000 amps.
Further enhancing this “cool transport” system is the innovative connection between the magnesium diboride cable and the current leads supplying the magnets. This connection utilizes high-temperature ReBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide) superconductors. Amalia Ballarino highlights this as another “challenging innovation for this type of application.” These “high-temperature” superconductors are named so because they can operate at relatively warmer temperatures of around 90 Kelvin (-183 °C), compared to the extremely low temperatures required by traditional superconductors. While ReBCO superconductors can handle incredibly high current densities, they are notoriously difficult to work with, making the team’s achievement all the more significant.
The successful testing of the line with its innovative connection marks a pivotal milestone for the project, confirming the functionality of the entire system. Amalia Ballarino proudly states, “We have incorporated novel materials, a new cooling system, and cutting-edge technologies to power the magnets in a truly innovative manner.”
This “cool transport” technology developed at CERN has garnered considerable attention beyond the scientific community. Companies are actively exploring the potential of adapting similar superconducting transmission lines for high-voltage applications. These lines could replace conventional systems for long-distance electricity and power transport, potentially revolutionizing energy distribution networks and paving the way for a more efficient and powerful future.
