WIDESPREAD USE OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS
ON HORIZON
Award-winning Materials Expert, UH Grad to Discuss
Cutting-edge R&D in Electric Power Devices
From improvements in cellular base stations to the development
of more efficient electric transmission lines and energy storage
systems, high-temperature superconductors (HTS) are nearing their
commercial viability.
Two-time University of Houston graduate, Venkat Selvamanickam,
will present a special seminar –
“Second-generation HTS Conductors” – from 3 to
4 p.m., Monday, May 2, in room 102 of the Houston Science Center
at UH. Part of the Texas Center for Superconductivity and Advanced
Materials (TcSAM) Special Seminar series, the event is free and
open to the public.
Promising to meet the price-performance characteristics needed
for widespread use of HTS, second-generation HTS conductors will
have applications not only in space-age transit but also in advanced
MRIs and better transmission lines. Selvamanickam, who received
his doctorate from UH in materials engineering and master’s
degree from UH in mechanical engineering, will discuss the latest
developments in the scale-up R&D of
second-generation HTS conductors, as well as detail the remaining
challenges for successful use of HTS in commercial applications.
The discovery of high-temperature superconductors that can operate
using inexpensive liquid nitrogen as a coolant has opened doors
to applying superconductivity to electric power devices. These HTS
devices offer both performance advantages and environmental benefits.
Selvamanickam, currently a program manager of materials technology
at SuperPower Inc. in Schenectady, New York, recently was named
“Superconductor Industry Person of the Year 2004.” Awarded
by Superconductor Week, the leading publication in superconductor
business and technology, this honor is the industry’s most
prestigious international distinction in the development and commercialization
of superconductors. Given to only two recipients each year, Selvamanickam
was recognized for his leadership, quality R&D and advocacy
in the field.
SuperPower Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Intermagnetics General
Corporation, uses core capabilities in materials, cryogenics and
magnetics to develop electric power components such as underground
transmission and distribution cables, transformers and fault current
limiters, utilizing state-of-the-art second-generation HTS technology.
WHO: |
Venkat Selvamanickam
Materials Expert |
WHAT: |
“Second-generation HTS Conductors”
TcSAM Special Seminar |
WHEN: |
3 to 4 p.m., Monday, May 2 |
WHERE: |
University of Houston
Houston Science Center, Room 102
Entrance 16 off Cullen Boulevard |
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