This document is a report that analyzes replacing regular transmission line conductors with superconductors. It discusses the problems with current transmission lines, such as losses due to resistance, instability, and environmental/safety issues. The report proposes using superconducting cables cooled by liquid hydrogen in underground conduits as a solution. It evaluates the feasibility and costs/benefits of implementing this system compared to alternatives. The conclusion recommends superconducting cables as they would eliminate losses and provide a more efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly grid.

1. Superconducting Cables in Grid:
Implementation of Superconducting Cables
i
Source: Fat Know ledge [1]
Prepared by Prajeshkumar Solanki and Aqpik Peter
The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence,
Algonquin College
Ottawa, Ontario
15 April 2014

2. Transmission Line Superconductors:
Replacing Regular Conductors with Superconductors
Prepared by Prajeshkumar Solanki and Aqpik Peter
Prepared for Prof. Jordan Smith
in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of ENL2019T-410:
Technical Communication for Engineering Technologies
The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence,
Algonquin College
Ottawa, Ontario
15 April 2014
ii

3. Declaration of Sole Authorship
We, Aqpik Peter and Prajeshkumar Solanki, confirm that the following work submitted
for assessment in ENL2019T-410 (Technical Communication for Engineering
Technologies) is expressed entirely in our own words, except where acknowledged
otherwise. The use of work by other authors-be they words, ideas, numerical data,
figures, tables, photographs, etc.—whether quoted, paraphrased, or reproduced, is
properly cited at the point of use. The original sources of cited work may be located
using the IEEE-style bibliographical entries in the References page at the back.
i

4. Executive Summary
In this report, we will compare regular transmission lines to superconducting
transmission lines. To get superconductors into its superconducting state, you need to
cool it to about -196 degrees Celsius which we would use liquid hydrogen mixed
together in a conduit underground. Using superconductor is a major bonus because
there would be zero resistance in the line that would be able to transfer extremely high
wattage though the generation system. Our transmission system today are used with
towers and power line poles that are exposed to weather which is another disadvantage
because certain climates increases the resistance in the conductors and that would
increase the power load and make the generation system less efficient.
ii

5. Contents
Declaration of Sole Authorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii i
Index of Figures and Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2.1Problem Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2.2Solution Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Exclusion Elaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Content Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5 Reader Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Problem Elaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Losses due to Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Environmental and Safety Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Solution Elaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 Superconducting Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Production of the superconductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3 Lifespan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 Feasibility Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1 Cost Benefit Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 Logistical Feasibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.3 Scheduling Feasibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Comparative Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1 Alternative Solutions Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.2 Criteria Elaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.3 Comparative Analysis Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.4 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Conclusions and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.1 Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Superconducting cable Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
iii

6. Index of Tables and Figures
iv
Figures
1. Superconducting cable schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
2. Power loss over transmission line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. Power loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4. Hurricane Impacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5. Bird Deaths By High voltage lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tables
1. Superconductors vs Regular Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2. Criteria for alternative to superconducting cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
3. Superconducting cable benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

7. 1 Introduction
5
1.1 Purpose
In this report, we will be talking about the feasibility of replacing overhead
transmission line with liquid hydrogen cooled superconductors placed
underground in conduits as a means to minimize the resistance losses and
make the transmission a lot more efficient and vastly increasing the lifespan of
the system. By making operational grid with the superconductors, we will
right away diminish the losses due to resistance and we could use the liquid
hydrogen as fuel for the future cars. This report was prepared for Professor
Jordan Smith in partial fulfillment of the requirements of ENL2019T-410:
Technical Communication for Engineering Technologies.
1.2 Background
With the higher demand of electricity vastly increasing in North-America each
year, we need a whole new power grid system that will be much more
efficient, cost saving as well as environment friendly. As we all know that a lot
of power is being wasted because of the less efficient power transmission
lines, so a lot of work has to be done to minimize the losses by introducing the
superconductors in the grid. With an increasing demand for an alternative to
fossil fuels, we have to invest our interests in solar, wind, agricultural biomass
and advance nuclear power technology [2].
1.2.1 Problem Background
In the past, about 11 years ago North America saw a major power
outage that pushed the region into the darkness of stone era.
Around 120 million people in the area suffered huge losses due
power failure. This was due to the outdated 20th century power grid
system that lacks in the area of efficiency and interruption free
operation. A conventional transmission line system consists of
aluminum or other alloys as their conductors, which runs via
overhead lines through towers. The main problem with this system
is losses, either it’s due to resistance or weather or other means, it
is not efficient and safe.

8. 6
1.2.2 Solution Background
To overcome the modern era transmission system problems and
losses, we must look for an alternative way to provide efficient and
reliable solution. Our solution is to implement Superconducting
transmission lines through conduits in which liquid hydrogen would
flow as a coolant to get the conductor at its superconducting state.
Superconductors are more efficient than regular conductor because
there is no electrical resistance and would run on direct current
(DC).
1.3 Exclusion Elaboration
This report doesn’t elaborate the materials used up to make the underground
conduits in which the superconductor cables run. Also the report doesn’t
consist of the cost of the maintenance which could be done while the grid is
operational. The materials used in the superconducting cables may di ffer and
in this case they are just in a testing phase, so the actual metal used as
superconductor may be changed in the future.
1.4 Content Summary
In this report we will check the feasibility of implementing the superconducting
cables in the grid and check the various aspects to totally change the
conventional grid system so that we will prevent losses as well as we protect
the environment. Chapter three will elaborate the solution to the implement
the whole new system of superconducting cables. Chapter four will check
about the feasibility and the cost analysis involved in this project. Fifth chapter
will be on comparative analysis between the superconducting cables and the
conventional wire systems. The following chapter will elaborate the conclusion
for making this system operation and will include the recommendations to
fulfill the demand of the project.
1.5 Reader Benefit
This study report is meant to provide brief knowledge about implementing
superconducting cables in the grid over conventional cables. The institutions

9. which generate electricity like power stations will definitely get a clear idea of
saving the losses and making their distribution safe and worthy. In this
developed world, we never want to be left out without power, so we need a
reliable solution to the modern era transmission problems. We came up with
an idea of using the superconducting cables instead of the regular cables, so
it will almost totally diminish the losses due to resistance and will be mostly
maintenance free. This will solve the problems like unstable grid, black-outs,
environmental issues like bird deaths due to overhead lines moreover it will be
a lot safer for humans as it won’t be exposed in the open air. Another major
benefit will be liquid hydrogen, which runs through the cables. We will be able
to use the liquid hydrogen as our fuel so this will be totally futuristic idea.
2 Problem Elaboration
The modern era problem of transmission is losses and unreliability. In the recent
times we have seen huge blackouts and millions of people left without power. The
problem with the conventional system that we are using right now is that it is filled
with lot of losses, unstable and not being the environmental friendly. As being
exposed open in the air, it has several other issues too related to it. Being not safe,
more space consuming and not at all efficient enough are the drawbacks of the
conventional transmission line grid system. In order to overcome these problems we
have to figure some way out to provide people a safer and more importantly cost
saving solution of what we think this project will deliver.
7
2.1 Losses due to Resistance

10. We use special conductors in a conventional transmission lines with a really low
resistivity but it is still not good enough to prevent losses [3].
Figure 2. Power Loss in a transmission lines over 1000kms
Source: Stanford University [3].
8
Figure 3. Various Power Loss
Source: Stanford University [3].
2.2 Stability

11. The main issue of this regular or contemporary transmission system is the
stability. As we all know the normal transmission lines are open to air and have
to deal with the weather. When the storms, hurricanes, cyclones come it uproots
the towers, leaving the grid broken. For example in 2008 Hurricane Gustav left
huge population without power because it destroyed the whole towers in the
transmission lines.
9
Figure 3. Hurricane Impacts
Source: The Times-Picayunea [4].
2.3 Environmental and Safety Issues
Every year millions of birds are being killed by the high voltage lines. This is a
worldwide problem [5]. An estimated 174 million birds are killed in the USA only
every year [5]. This will in turn raise serious environmental issues and will
collapse the balance of nature and lot of endangered species will extinct. If we
talk about safety this system is pretty unsafe to work on. For the technicians who
work on the overhead transmission lines, a lot of care should be taken because
of the high chances of electrocution.

12. Figure 5. Bird deaths by high voltage lines
10
Source: Reta [5]
3 Solution Elaboration
Our report is to figure out the effective way to minimize the losses as well as make
the transmission lines environmental friendly. On top of that we will get the liquid
hydrogen as fuel for the futuristic cars. The main logic to implement these lines was
to save power and give the stability to the grid to prevent power outages. This
system can be implemented in any type of topographies as it runs underground
ducts which carry huge liquid hydrogen cooled superconducting cables. Setting up

13. the superconducting grid will in turn save millions of dollars in a long run and will be
long lasting, maintenance free system.
11
3.1 Superconducting Cables
The superconducting cables consist of superconductors. Superconductors are
mix alloy of several metals or compound which below a certain temperature get
the superconductivity and have zero resistance [6]. Figure 5 shows the structure
of the superconducting cable. Superconducting cables can be used in any kind
of topographies as it has thermal insulation so no matter if it’s hot or cold the
cable can withstand everything. It can carry huge currents and cryogenic liquid
hydrogen fuel in the conduits which will be delivered to the vehicle fueling
stations. The superconductors are really thin layer of metal which can carry
unusually high amount of current without any resistance. The cable consists of
two superconducting wires at +/-50Kv and 50Kamps current without any
significant losses [7]. This kind of cables can carry 5 GW of power hundreds of
kilometers [7].
Figure 1. Super Conductor

14. 12
Source: Fat Knowledge [1]
3.2 Production of the superconductors
The production of the hydrogen cooled superconducting cables is in a testing
phase right now. Scientist are coming up with the different types of metal alloys
as superconductors and trying to make a less costly and more efficient cables.
The Russian scientists have made a superconducting cable of 26mm diameter
and 12mm cavity in it for the liquid hydrogen to flow. They are well in progress to
make a bigger diameter cable which can carry liquid hydrogen 200-220 g/s and
able to carry 25MW of power [8]. The USA made 100m flexible superconducting
cable 3cm diameter pipe for 1m/s liquid hydrogen to flow with an overall
diameter of 10cm which can carry 5000v, 2000amps and 10MW dc power with
variable loads and current [9].
3.3 Lifespan
Though superconducting cables is an impressive concept a lot of research to be
done on it. Fairly new technology, so it promises the longer life span but no
research is done yet on the longevity of the superconducting cables.
Table 1. Superconductors vs. Regular conductors

15. Source : Randolf miller’s introduction to superconductors [10]
4 Feasibility Study
We are so much used to overhead transmission lines despite knowing the fact that
there are lot of losses. Superconducting cables would save a lot of losses in the long
run and payback the costs of implementation. A lot of research has proven that
superconducting cables can play a big role in the power sector. Recent studies have
shown us that it could carry huge currents. As being underground and not exposed
to the open air, the cable is more environmental friendly and safe.
13
4.1 Cost Benefit Analysis
The metals used to form the super conductors are easily available and are pure
metal or metal alloys [10]. The American Superconductor figured out that the
superconducting cable system would cost $8 million per mile for the single pipe
carrying 5000Megawatts and $13 million for the double pipe carrying 10000MW

16. [11]. The conventional transmission towers and lines would cost roughly $7-10
million per mile [11].
14
4.2 Logistical Feasibility
There are two basic types of superconductors, one is pure metals and another is
metal alloys. These metals are easily available so they can be produced on large
scales in the industries. The production of cryogenic hydrogen is little bit
expensive at the moment. At present the hydrogen comes from the steam
reforming of methane and consists of carbon. The scientists are working to
produce hydrogen by separating it from the water [9]. Superconducting cables
have no impact on environment as they are placed underground. There won’t be
any corona effect due oxidation, the conductors are totally concealed in lot of
layers. As being a new concept a lot of more development is to be done. People
will appreciate this new development and because of its benefits.
4.3 Scheduling Feasibility
There are lot of technical choices and challenges ahead like in cryogenic fuels
and vacuums, dielectric materials being held under lot colder condition and cable
designs. We could still in around 10 years of time frame, will be able to operate
10-20km line to solve the transmission problems [9]. By 2050 we will be able to
set up around 40 sections each 100kms long [9].

17. 5 Comparative Analysis
In the following chapter we will discuss about the alternatives to the hydrogen cooled
superconducting cables. Unfortunately at this moment no other alternative is
available to the superconducting cables. There are other types of superconductors
which could be used in the cables but not the whole new technology that replaces
this idea. We could use different coolants to make material superconductive like
Liquid Nitrogen and Helium.
15
5.1 Alternative Solutions Description
Liquid nitrogen has a little bit higher boiling point at about 77Kelvins or -196C.
When insulated from the heat, the liquid nitrogen could be transported and
stored. The Liquid Nitrogen is also an explosive gas, when handled carelessly, it
could create a disaster. Another alternative is liquid helium which has a boiling
point of 4.2K also acts as coolant in the various applications.
5.2 Criteria Elaboration
Following subsections will briefly elaborate the criteria.
5.2.1 Stable System
The main concern of the modern era transmission is the stability. Nobody wants
to be left out without power. People need the stable system that will not be
affected by weather or any other factors. Our idea of superconducting cable
system will fulfill all the demands of the modern era, providing stability and
won’t be affected by rain, snow, heat and storms as it is situated underground.
5.2.2 Minimal Losses

18. The losses caused by the resistance in the conductor are the main concern in
the transmission lines. Our solution for this problem is superconducting cables,
which has almost no resistance hence being cost saving.
16
5.2.3 Safety and Eco-friendly
If we consider the criteria there’s a clear choice, underground cables are not
exposed in the open air. As being covered in concealed pipes, there are no
chances are getting electrocuted.
5.3 Comparative Analysis Table
Table 2. Criteria for alternative to conventional cables
Superconducting cables Conventional cables
Power loss 3% 9%
Storm/security risks No Yes
New land required No Yes
5.4 Results
The table illustrates that the superconducting cables are more preferable over
conventional transmission line. It doesn’t require new land and is not vulnerable
to the weather conditions.
5.4.1 Superconducting Cable Solution

19. Superconducting cables consists of superconductors which are cooled by
cryogenic hydrogen which could be used as a fuel in cars. It will diminish the
losses and create a safer transmission system as well as eco-friendly too.
17

20. 6 Conclusions and Recommendations
18
6.1 Conclusions
The superconducting cables in grid system run through underground path as
they are not open to the air so there are no corona losses. There is no
electromagnetic field around the cable itself. Because it can carry huge amount
of currents while using really small diameter conductors, it is economically viable
solution. There will be close to zero maintenance costs associated with this
system. So we could conclude that we get a better solution of losses affiliated
with regular transmission lines and more over we get liquid hydrogen which is a
coolant in this case as a fuel for cars.
6.2 Recommendations
This report recommends that the implementation of this superconducting cable in
a grid will definitely bring the stability to the current grid system. This is highly
recommended for the power stations which generate electricity as they can
transmit large current over long distances in AC as well as DC. It is cost saving
and said to be a reliable and safe solution. It is specially recommended for the
regions where a lot of storms and hurricanes occur.

21. Glossary
Superconductor: An element or compound or metal alloy, which at a certain
temperature gains the zero resistivity are called superconductors [6].
MW: Megawatts, the unit in which power is measured.
KA: Kilo-amps, the unit in which current is being measured
Resistance: The opposition force in the substance to block the current flow is called
19
resistance.

22. References
[1] Fat Knowledge, "A Power Grid for the Hydrogen Economy," Fat Knowledge, 11 July 2006.
[Online]. Available: http://fatknowledge.blogspot.ca/2006/07/power-grid-for-hydrogen-economy.
20
html. [Accessed 14 April 2014].
[2] By Paul M. Grant, Chauncey Starr and Thomas J. Overbye, "www.scientificamerican.com," 26
June 2006. [Online]. Available: http://phe.rockefeller.edu/docs/SA_Supergrid.pdf. [Accessed 28
March 2014].
[3] C. Harting , "http://large.stanford.edu/," Stanford University, 24 October 2010. [Online].
Available: http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2010/ph240/harting1/. [Accessed 15 April 2014].
[4] Rebecca Mowbray, The Times-picayun, "www.nola.com," The Times-picayun, 05 September
2008. [Online]. Available:
http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index.ssf/2008/09/entergy_works_to_bring_plants.html.
[Accessed 15 April 2014].
[5] Reta, "http://retasite.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/altalink-transmission-line-kills-birds/," 8
January 2014. [Online]. Available: http://retasite.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/clarks-cartoon.
jpg?w=497. [Accessed 15 April 2014].
[6] superconductors.org, "www.superconductors.org," 2 July 1999. [Online]. Available:
http://superconductors.org/. [Accessed 15 April 2014].
[7] Bruno De Wachter, "www.leonardo-energy.org," 2 June 2007. [Online]. Available:
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/superconducting-hydrogen-electricity-grid. [Accessed 15 April
2014].
[8] Anton Evseev, "www.pravda.ru," 26 March 2012. [Online]. Available:
http://english.pravda.ru/science/tech/26-03-2012/120888-hybrid_superconducting-0/.
[Accessed 15 April 2014].
[9] Brian Wang, "www.nextbigfuture.com," 24 june 2006. [Online]. Available:
http://nextbigfuture.com/2006/06/other-tech-continental-supergrid-and.html. [Accessed 15
April 2014].
[10] Randolf joseph Muller, "www.wou.edu," 24 February 2011. [Online]. Available:
http://www.wou.edu/~rmiller09/superconductivity/. [Accessed 15 April 2014].
[11] Rebecca Smith, "blogs.wsj.com," 13 May 2009. [Online]. Available:
http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/13/moving-electricity-via-super-cold-cables-
wins-influential-dc-ally/. [Accessed 15 April 2014].
[12] W.-H. Librarian, "www.wtech.org," September 1997. [Online]. Available:

23. http://www.wtec.org/loyola/scpa/02_03.htm. [Accessed 10 April 2014].
Appendix: Superconducting Cables as Compare to Conventional Wires
21
Table 3: Superconducting cable Benefits

24. 22
Source: wtech.org [12]