Applications of YBCO-coated conductors: a focus on the chemical solution deposition method

Abstract

High-temperature superconducting (HTSC) cables can carry much more electric current than copper wires with negligible energy losses. Many studies have been conducted on the applications of the HTSCs in electric power and energy transmission systems. The recent achievement of a critical current density of 10⁶ A cm⁻² in small samples of YBa₂Cu₃O₇ (YBCO)-coated conductors has stimulated interest in manufacturing economic long-length YBCO-coated conductors. In the last several years, tremendous progress has been made in the scale-up of YBCO-coated conductors, but there are still several fundamental and technical issues which put limitations on the current-carrying performance of these conductors. In this article we will discuss both issues. We will discuss the fundamentals of superconductivity and the factors that limit the critical current density in HTSCs. We will present the current technology of HTSC wires. The architectures of 1G-BSCCO and the 2G-YBCO and their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. The main preparation methods for 2G-YBCO-coated conductors will be reviewed. The main film coating methods will be discussed with a focus on the chemical solution deposition method.