Interconnecting substations via superconductor cables to accommodate PHEV related load growth

Abstract

Paralleling two or more substations by interconnection of their low side buses is a simple and cost effective means to optimize the use of existing substation assets and to increase load-serving capability in light of significant, future load growth as is the case with PHEV adoption. This is particularly true in population dense areas where substation space constraints are common. Utilizing standard conductors to implement low-side bus ties involves issues of power transfer limitations, right-of-way limitations, electromagnetic fields (EMF), losses, and fault current, making such interconnections difficult or impossible. Implementing these connections with High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) cables addresses many of these issues due to their ability to carry very high power and manage fault current levels while requiring minimal right-of-way.