What are the applications of superconductors?

Answer 1

Probably the first practical use of superconductivity was the Cryotron, invented by Dudley A. Buck at Massachussets Institute of Technology in 1954.

The Josephson Junction, which is based on the Cryotron, is now used to define the electrical standard of voltage.

Superconductors are used to make SQIDS. Magnetoencephalography is a method to make images of brain activity from the magnetic fields generated by electrical current in the brain. The magnetoencephalography system uses SQIDS to detect those magnetic fields. A superconductor is used to shield the system (and the patient's head) from all other magnetic fields such as the magnetic field of the earth and other electronic equipment in the room.

Superconductors are also used to generate very intense magnetic fields. Because normal wire creates heat when electrical current flows through it, there is a limit to how powerful electro-magnets can be; the stronger they are, the more heat they generate. Too much heat would cause them to melt. Also, an electro-magnet made from normal wire will require a great amount of power to operate.

A magnet made from superconductors only requires electricity when first turned on. Once enough current is flowing in the electro-magnet, no more electricity needs to be 'added' to maintain a strong magnetic field. An electro-magnet made of superconductors will not create heat.

There is a limit to how much current can flow in a superconductor. This limit is related to the 'critical magnetic field' of the material. A magnetic field of a certain strength will change a superconductor into a normal conductor. (This is exactly how cryotrons operate.) Interestingly, by trying to increase the magnetic field generated by a superconducting electro-magnet above this 'critical field' intensity, will cause the superconductor to instantly change to a normal conductor.

All known superconductors need to be maintained at very low temperatures. This is usually done with liquid helium or liquid nitrogen.

Answer 2

High field magnets for material research, SMES (Superconducting magnetic energy storage) for military and electric utilities, coils in generators for marine propulsion and automotive are some applications Thermonuclear fusion research, magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) and electromagnetic thrust (EMT) for marine propulsion, high speed ground transportation using magnetic levitating coils are also some applications of superconductors.

Answer 3

Because of resistance we lose a lot energy in the form of heat. Getting rid of resistance can sometimes save a lot of resources, as well as decrease operating temperatures of electric equipment. However it must always be remembered that cooling conductors to a low enough temperature to make them "superconducting" requires a considerable amount of energy, so this must always be taken into account.

Answer 4

A superconductor can be used in different applications. Some of these are Maglev, or magnetic levitation of trains. They can also be used in medical applications and electronics.

Answer 5

Superconductors are very useful because they have super powers and are able to fly, jump, and use laser beams to eliminate the current within the circuit

Answer 6

Such as MRI , bullet train ....etc