HTS wire must be flexible and strong and capable of carrying large current in a magnetic field. HTS systems require long-length wire and effective components. The key to making HTS wire and, in turn, systems that are commercially viable, is to optimize critical current, operating temperature and field, and cost. Researchers have set goals in each of these areas based on the characteristics required for electric power devices.
Critical current is the amount of current a given wire can carry without losing superconductivity.
Critical current density is simply the total amount of current a wire can carry I c divided by the cross sectional area of the superconductor. Additionally, HTS wires must be able to carry current at relatively high temperatures to decrease the difficulties associated with cooling. Superconducting devices also require tolerance to surrounding magnetic fields. They must be able to operate in fields of 2-5 teslas. To find out how HTS stacks up against these goals, click on HTS Highlights .