Grid integration of high-power MVDC superconducting cables based on HTS and MgB₂

Abstract

Recent progress in medium-voltage direct-current (MVDC) superconducting cable technology is reported within the SCARLET project, focusing on both high-temperature superconducting (HTS) and magnesium diboride (MgB₂) designs. Coupled electro-thermal reduced models were developed, combining analytical/numerical inductance evaluation, bounded power-law conductor models, and thermal networks including convective cryogenic cooling. Parametric studies assessed current sharing, transient fault behaviour, and protection strategies using DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) and resistive superconducting fault current limiters. A 1 GW MgB₂ demonstrator cooled by liquid hydrogen demonstrates reduced peak current and fault duration, providing design guidance for reliable integration of superconducting MVDC cables in future grids.

Mattia SIMONAZZI, Antonio MORANDI, Arnaud ALLAIS, Nicolas LALLOUET, Beate WEST, Christian-Eric BRUZEK, Christophe CREUSOT, Adela MARIAN

Presented at Jicable HVDC’25