NEAR-TERM ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF HIGH-TC SUPERCONDUCTORS

The discovery of the higher temperature superconductors, generally known as high Tc, has brought about an upsurge of interest in the many engineering applications that have been investigated over the past three decades using the low Tc superconductors. With very few exceptions these have not yet resulted in new products for the market place and the question discussed in this paper is whether high Te superconductors will. bring more success. Future work will draw heavily upon past results and, given the significant economic and operational benefits of operating at a higher temperature together with an adequate performance from-the new materials, the past work will provide a springboard to many marker opportunities. It is predicted that in about 10 years time there will be a massive expansion of industrial activity with this technology and the countries and companies that will benefit the most are those that invest now.