Technology Innovations: Focus Areas
Novel Cryostat Materials
The key to SuperNode’s technology is efficiently extending the distance between the re-cooling of the liquid nitrogen (LN2). Current state-of-the-art superconducting cables deploy a corrugated steel cryostat to house the flow of LN2, which is designed to allow for the expansion and contraction of the materials across the 200°C temperature range.
While this design addresses the challenge of thermal expansion, it significantly increases the friction, turbulence and pressure drop within the cryostat, thereby reducing the distance the LN2 can flow without requiring re-cooling.
SuperNode has developed a smooth-bore inner cryostat, which enables vastly reduced friction, turbulence and one third the pressure loss compared to current state-of-the-art. To accomplish this, the cryostat materials must have an extremely low co-efficient of thermal expansion. SuperNode has developed novel materials using bespoke equipment with cryogenic capabilities.
Optimal Thermal Management
Insulation
SuperNode is developing world class insulation which prevents heat leakage into the inner cryostat. This work further extends extends intermediate recooling, required to maintain superconductivity, from 5km to 30km. SuperNode’s insulation efforts have broken NASA’s record for soft vacuum insulation (1Pa – 10Pa).
SuperNode operates a custom-built Vacuum Insulation Test Rig (VITR) to simulate real world conditions and to test insulations under a range of vacuums at cryogenic temperatures. The VITR measures the amount of thermal energy that passes through the insulation, providing valuable data on performance and efficiency. SuperNode also collaborates closely with academics and industry to further develop optimised solutions for insulation.
Vacuum
SuperNode is working with world leaders in cryogenics to develop a best-in-class vacuum to further increase cryogenic and thermal efficiency of the system, ultimately reducing cost and increasing transmission distances.
The most notable partnership is with CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics. CERN is a world leader in cryogenics and vacuum systems. SuperNode have deployed employees to CERN and delivered analytical techniques supported by materials test data. Test rigs developed with CERN have been built and commissioned at SuperNode’s Dublin Headquarters, the European Cryogenics Centre for Superconductors (ECCS)
Scale Manufacturing
SuperNode are not just focused on designing a prototype and proving the technology but also in developing a process to manufacture the cables at scale.
In 2021, we opened the European Cryogenic Centre for Superconductors (ECCS) based in Dublin. This is a 1,400m² state-of-the-art facility designed for the production of prototypes and development samples.
In 2024, the SuperNode Cable Technology Centre opened in Blyth. This is a 1,800m² state-of-the-art facility for the production of reeled cables for qualification, demonstration and pilot projects.
We have fully developed staged plans for increasing our production capacity in the coming years.