Utility Generators

HTS generators have higher efficiencies than conventional generators over the full range of operation and especially at part load operation. It is competitive with conventional generators in initial cost and, therefore, has lower life cycle costs.  AMSC's unique approach to electric machine design results in a system that can be built economically with today's first generation superconducting wires as they reach price maturity through volume production.

The range of generators developed using this technology is expected to yield benefits in lifetime costs.  HTS generators will have an improvement in efficiency up to 1% over conventional generators.  It is anticipated that the HTS generator would recover, in fuel costs alone, its full acquisition cost within a few years of operation.  Furthermore, these generators will have much improved efficiencies at partial load, giving further operational cost benefits.  The synchronous reactance of the generator is such that the use of fast acting excitation equipment is not required, leading to further reduction in initial cost, as well as space and complexity.