This week marks an exciting milestone in SuperNode’s testing campaign at CERN – the intergovernmental organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. SuperNode and CERN have collaborated to develop a novel cryostat for superconducting cables. Now, the vacuum compatibility test rig, developed at CERN by the two partners, is on its way to Dublin. Here the next phase of testing will commence at SuperNode’s facility, the European Cryogenic Centre for Superconductors.
As part of the SuperNode-CERN cooperation, a SuperNode engineer has been working side by side with CERN teams in Geneva for the past two years, allowing SuperNode key insights to select suitable materials and refinement of its cryostat design.
The collaboration drew upon CERN’s expertise in vacuum and materials science to develop innovative energy transmission cables for use in the world outside of the Laboratory. By replacing traditional stainless corrugated sheaths with polymer-based advanced materials, new cable insulation reduces losses and increases the distance between cooling stations more than fivefold – significantly enhancing operational efficiency and cost.
“It has been great to collaborate with the SuperNode team over these years, and we look forward to seeing them further develop and apply the technology.” – José Ferreira, Head of the Injectors & Insulation Vacuum Operation Section at CERN.
“We are grateful to CERN and its brilliant staff, for their partnership and openness in advancing and commercialising the next generation of high-capacity, superconducting power cables. Next-generation high-capacity cables will play a vital role for utilities and large energy users, including data centres, by enabling greater power delivery while reducing space needs, emissions, visual footprint, and costs. ” – John Fitzgerald, CEO of SuperNode.
The shipment of the test rig marks the conclusion of the joint SuperNode-CERN project – but the beginning of a new chapter for SuperNode as it scales and applies this groundbreaking technology.
See also:
SuperNode and CERN collaborate on new solutions for renewable energy transmission – Supernode, and
SuperNode demonstrates world’s first superconducting cable using polymeric cryostat
The collaboration is a project of the CERN Innovation Programme for Environmental Applications Programme (CIPEA)