Technical & Economical Evaluation of High Temperature Superconducting Cable in Ethiopian Power Grid
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Date
2025-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In the last three decades, there have been big steps forward and improvements in the creation of prototype HTS cables. This breakthrough opened the door for the current research and development of HTS cables, which have the potential to revolutionize power transmission technology. The global energy sector is now leveraging superconductor technology to drive a major transformation. Superconducting transmission lines conveniently solve contemporary power distribution. It has large power capacity, better controllability, and thermal independence. Its small outer dimension enables it to be installed in existing underground conduits causing little perturbation to urban electricity networks. By virtue of its low impedance, it also efficiently prevents overheating by diverting current from an overloaded transmission line into the SC cable. The electric and magnetic field distributions in superconducting devices and the technical and commercial feasibility of HTS cables are investigated in this study. This indicates the reduction of power losses experienced with various scenarios, and the final verdict is that the exchange is technically feasible, but not economically since capital and operational cost payments lead to an absurd conclusion of 27 years for 132 kV and 43 years longer for 33 kV system. The possibility of replacing a 132 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line in Ethiopia's electrical grid with a 132 kV and a 33 kV YBa2Cu3O7(YBCO)-based SC along Kalilti I to Black Lion line in Adis Ababa is discussed. Thus outlines the benefits in technology that HTS systems can offer in comparison to conventional lines, particularly in terms of performance, cost, and efficiency of operation. The study uses advanced modeling software like MATLAB, ANSYS Fluent, and Dig SILENT Power Factory to evaluate the superconductivity and performance of HTS cables under different loading conditions. It reveals that HTS cables require fewer transformers, simplifying system design and enhancing efficiency. At high demand, HTS power lines have brought unparalleled efficiency (99.35%) that account for a revolution in power transmission. Even at 125% capacity, efficiency holds steady with some minor losses. However, with these advantages, the capital and operating costs of it are still high. The advantages brought by the use of HTS technology-improved grid system, increased capacity, and sustainability-make it a strong contender for modern energy systems. Further development is required in cooling optimization and grid integration to exploit its full advantages, even though HTS technology can sets Ethiopia in a pole position of energy improvement and strongly consolidates the ground for future research and application endeavors.
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Keywords
High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS), grid modernization, energy efficiency, cryogenic cooling, Ethiopia power grid, electromagnetic-thermal modeling