Conceptual Analysis of Superconducting Hydroelectric Homopolar Generators for Aluminium Smelters and Large Hydrogen Electrolysers (300,00 руб.)

Первый автор	Matsekh
Страниц	11

ID	941881
Аннотация	A hydraulic turbine- driven superconducting homopolar generator, equipped with high- speed and highcurrent liquid metal current collectors, presents a practical solution for direct current supply to aluminium smelters and hydrogen electrolysers. This technology eliminates the need for conventional AC generatortransformer- recti¿er systems while providing ripple- free high- current DC power. The combination of liquid metal current collectors capable of routinely handling continuous currents of 250 kA, NbTi ¿eld coils, and high- speed prime movers such as Francis or Pelton turbines enables generator power levels of 20–100 MW. Hydroelectric plants which are historically often located in close proximity from aluminium smelters – major consumers of DC power – provide an ideal platform for implementing large- scale superconducting generators due to their substantial power output and established infrastructure. Beyond improved system e৽ciency – marginal, but economically signi¿cant – this approach enables the development of integrated superconducting infrastructure through high- temperature superconducting ( HTS) power cables replacing conventional massive current- carrying busbars. Recent developments in superconducting cable technology, including the DEMO 200 ( 200 kA) project, demonstrate the viability of such integration. The proposed solution utilises exclusively mature technologies with abundant supply chains, allowing for rapid deployment at industrial scale. This approach creates a realistic and economically viable pathway for implementing practical superconducting systems in the power sector while signi¿cantly improving system e৽ciency of electrolytic aluminium and hydrogen production. This paper is not a comprehensive design study, but represents an attempt at a critical engineering analysis of the application and a proposed solution with a review of the inventory of available enabling technologies. Key words: homopolar machines, large- scale applications, electrolytic production, aluminium, liquid hydrogen, motors, generators, superconducting magnets

Matsekh, A. Conceptual Analysis of Superconducting Hydroelectric Homopolar Generators for Aluminium Smelters and Large Hydrogen Electrolysers / A. Matsekh // Электричество .— 2025 .— №10 .— С. 4-14 .— URL: https://rucont.ru/efd/941881 (дата обращения: 26.10.2025)