$5M Advanced Conductor Technology Development Program Work Begins

ai generated image of semiconductor wire

Coiled Superconducting Wire, AI-generated by dasom for AdobeStock

High Temperature Superconductors, Inc., announces pivotal partnerships with advanced conductor technologies and the Applied Superconductivity Center at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

High Temperature Superconductors, Inc., (HTSI) an innovation leader in the field of high-temperature superconducting tape, recently announced the beginning of its novel manufacturing technologies project under the ARPA-E program. As previously announced, HTSI received a $5 million Department of Energy (DOE) award, the largest fraction of the award granted under the 10-million-dollar fund. The program aims to increase production speed and reduce the cost of HTS tape to support the development of transformational energy technology applications for fusion power reactors, power transmission cables and electric aircraft. 

In fulfillment of the program, HTSI will develop a new tool that expands the deposition area of the superconducting layers, resulting in greatly increased production throughput up to five to ten times higher than present-day levels. The approach will also improve the quality and consistency of the HTS layer. Simultaneously, HTSI unveils strategic collaborations with Advanced Conductor Technologies (ACT) and Florida State University's MagLab, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in superconductor materials.

HTSI’s Founder and CEO, Ray Karam, offered insights on the company’s latest developments and partnerships. 

headshot of engineering professor david larbalestier
Professor David Larbalestier, Chief Materials Scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and Chair, Department of Materials Science & Engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU Engineering)

“Today marks a significant milestone for HTSI as we begin the novel manufacturing technologies project for ARPA-E, aimed at enhancing the production efficiency and reducing costs of HTS tape in the United States,” said Karam. “HTSI is poised to elevate production speeds and material quality. We are excited to collaborate with the very experienced teams at ACT and FSU. They add tremendous support to drive our objectives to meet ARPA-E and our commercial goals."

New Strategic Alliances Facilitate Accelerated Impact

In tandem with the program launch, HTSI proudly announces collaborative partnerships with two esteemed entities:

  • Advanced Conductor Technologies (ACT) High Temperature Superconductors, Inc. announces a strategic venture with Advanced Conductor Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge superconducting cable solutions. HTSI’s expertise and Advanced Conductor's innovative technologies will join forces to foster accelerated advancements in high-temperature superconductor cables for a wide array of applications, including fusion, high-field magnets, and high-current cables for next-generation electrical machines. 
  • National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University: HTSI’s partnership with the Applied Superconductivity Center at the NSF-funded National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University aims to reduce HTS development time by providing best-in-class HTS characterization and testing, providing HTSI feedback on the performance of tape developed in the U.S. The collaboration leverages the combined strengths of both entities to drive transformative developments in superconductor materials.

Danko van der Laan, President and CEO of Advanced Conductor Technologies, outlined the recent partnership with HTSI.

headshot of professor tak fumitake
Professor Tak Kametani of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. (Mark Wallheiser/FAMU-FSU Engineering)

“Advanced Conductor Technologies’ collaboration with HTSI yields a new era of possibilities in superconducting cable solutions. By combining ACT’s expertise with HTSI’s pioneering advancements, we aim to unlock new efficiencies and capabilities, propelling us towards a future powered by next-generation superconductor technologies across the U.S.,” stated van der Laan. 

Professor David Larbalestier, Chief Materials Scientist at the MagLab and chair of the new materials science and engineering department in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, emphasized the collaboration with HTSI. 

“The partnership between HTSI and Florida State University’s Mag Lab represents a convergence of research excellence and industrial innovation to expand domestic US capabilities in high-field magnet technology. My colleague Professor Tak Kametani and our team are pushing the boundaries of superconductor materials, leveraging US-based, state-of-the-art testing facilities and academic insights to accelerate the development of transformative energy technologies,” Larbalestier said.

HTSI’s recent developments underscore its position as a leader in HTS tape manufacturing in the United States. The company is poised to address the demand for commercial HTS tape manufacturing to meet industry needs. Adam Shelton, VP of Global Business Development at HTSI, commented.

“The launch of the DOE program and our new strategic partnerships mark a pivotal moment for HTSI, emphasizing our dedication to meeting the evolving demands of the HTS tape market. HTSI eagerly anticipates the opportunities these developments will unlock in shaping the future of our industry,” said Shelton.


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