June 1, 2007—American Superconductor Corporation announced recently that it has signed a contract with Consolidated Edison, Inc. to develop and deploy a new high temperature superconductor (HTS) power grid technology in Con Edison’s power delivery network in New York City.
The Department of Homeland Security is expected to invest up to $25 million in the development of this technology to enable “Secure Super Grids” in the United States. Secure Super Grids utilize customized HTS wires, HTS power cables and ancillary controls to deliver more power through the grid while also being able to suppress power surges that can disrupt service.
This endeavor has been code named Project Hydra by DHS. Much like the mythical Greek monster that grew back multiple heads when one was severed, multiple paths for electricity flow will be created in power grids to ensure system reliability if circuits were to be disrupted.
AMSC is the prime contractor for Project Hydra. AMSC and Con Edison signed a separate agreement whereby Con Edison will be a subcontractor to AMSC. The deployment of a commercial high-capacity, surge-suppressing HTS cable system in New York City is projected for completion in three years.
For more on AMSC, visit the Web site.
