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Superconducting Power Grid Launches In New York
EmagGeek writes "IEEE is running a story about a new superconducting power grid that was energized in April in New York State. The lines operate at 138kV and are cooled to 65-75K to maintain superconductivity. These lines are run underground and can carry 150 times more electricity than copper lines of the same cross section. The project is funded with taxpayer dollars through the Department of Energy."
A related story at MarketWatch indicates that this is part of a large-scale effort to upgrade aging infrastructure.
How much is saved by carrying 150x as much vs. the cost of refrigerating the conduits to 65K?
Last I checked, refrigeration was not an especially efficient process, especially with large exposed surface areas such as a long series of wires.
But that's ok, it's just 65 Kelvin, can't be that cold, it's a double-digit number just like we're used to, just a K instead of and F or a C.
65K is -340F fer fucks sake! That underground wire's surroundings average about 50F, so it's cooled by a matter of 390F to get it to superconducting levels!
Heating it is much easier with well established industrial componentry. Could you imagine heating a lengthy wire by 390F to 440F 24/7 just to get better conductivity? Cooling it to 65K requires customized experimental cryogenic gear costing WAY more!
There is no way the superconductivity savings outweigh the costs of refrigerating the line. Any reasonable scientist would have determined this on paper long before implementation. This is clearly some ridiculously over-privileged geek's science fair project at best.
War as we knew it was obsolete
Nothing could beat complete denial
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What happens when a 'Terrorist' finds a way to purge/rupture the coolant?
We invade Iran!
This is why I don't generally support giving the government much money. It will just get spent on pet projects of the most powerful, and generally not on what is best for society (except for when they happen to coincide).
W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.