SuperPower Receives 2005 U.S. DOE Peer Review Ranking for MFCL
10/18/2005

Intermagnetics' SuperPower Subisidary Receives 2005 Annual U.S. DOE Peer Review Ranking for Matrix Fault Current Limiter  

• Program Is Ranked No. Six In A Field Of Nine 
• Program Placed on “Reduced Effort Status” To Allow Time To Further Investigate Voltage And Materials Issues
• Reviewers Noted Performance, Plans And Results To Be Very Good

Schenectady, NY— Intermagnetics General Corporation subsidiary SuperPower, Inc. presented the results of its Matrix Fault Current Limiter Program at the 2005 Department of Energy (DOE) Annual Peer Review in August. SuperPower received a number six ranking among the nine programs reviewed during the session on Superconductivity Partnerships with Industry (SPI) device programs.

The objective of the program work undertaken during the past year was to design, build and test an Alpha prototype device to withstand 138kV transmission-level voltage requirements. Due to problems encountered with the ability of the melt cast superconducting elements to withstand the intense thermal and mechanical stresses when the device operates to limit an electrical fault and the slower than planned progress in addressing high voltage electrical insulation issues, both program cost and program schedule increased significantly, resulting in a decision to reduce the current program effort until options can be reevaluated. The Review Panel agreed with the decision to step back from the originally planned schedule as “preferable to failures that may have resulted if these issues were not identified and addressed.” It was added that “a lot of good work has been performed. The team identified and evaluated every single technical aspect.”

Most notable was support for the Technical Advisory Board (TAB) concept initiated by SuperPower at the outset of this program, whereby a group of technology and utility experts was formed to oversee the design and fabrication of each device during each phase of the program. “Research integration on this project is very good and this is the right approach to make this project successful. The TAB model is excellent.”

Panelists indicated support of the decision to step back to reassess the options before moving forward, but reinforced the need for this device, “If the MFCL works as planned, this will be a workhorse of the HTS system including HTS cable.” SuperPower noted the efficacy of the DOE implemented Readiness Review process as a key decision driver for placing the program on reduced effort status pending reevaluation of technical and financial options. In the interim, an investigation of the feasibility of using second generation superconductors will be undertaken by SuperPower.

For access to the various presentations included in the 2005 Annual DOE Peer Review, please visit the following page on the DOE website: http://www.energetics.com/supercon05.html [1] 

Contact:
Traute F. Lehner
Communications/Government Relations Specialist
SuperPower, Inc.
(518) 346-1414 ext. 3070
e-mail:  tlehner@superpower-inc.com [2]