SynFoNY · Project

Better Superconducting Wires for Wind Turbines and Power Grids Through Nano-Enhanced Coatings

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Superconducting wires can carry electricity with almost zero loss, but they struggle to perform well in magnetic fields — exactly where they're needed most, like inside wind turbines or power grid equipment. This project figured out how to mix tiny engineered nanocrystals into the coating of these wires, like adding reinforcing fibres to concrete, so the wires hold up much better under real operating conditions. The team produced a 100-metre test wire that performs 3-4 times better than standard versions, and scaled up the nanocrystal production by 20 times to prove it can work beyond the lab.

By the numbers

100m

Length of demonstrated HTS wire with nanocomposite coating

3-4 MA/cm²

Critical current density achieved at 77K

20 GN/m³

Pinning force achieved at 77K

25g

Nanocrystal batch size achieved (scalable synthesis)

20x

Scale-up factor compared to microwave synthesis

Consortium partners across 3 countries

60%

Industry partner ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Superconducting wires promise near-zero electrical losses, but their performance drops sharply in magnetic fields — exactly the conditions found inside wind turbine generators, MRI machines, and power grid equipment. Current production methods for high-performance coated conductors are either too expensive (vacuum deposition) or produce wires that lose too much current capacity under real operating conditions. Manufacturers need a cost-effective way to make superconducting wires that maintain high current density in magnetic fields.

The solution

What was built

The project produced three key deliverables: a series of perovskite nanocrystal composites with different compositions for use as pinning centres; a scalable nanoparticle ink (25g batches, 20x scale-up) that can be added to superconducting wire coatings; and a 100m long HTS wire demonstrating 3-4 MA/cm² critical current density and 20 GN/m³ pinning force at 77K.

Audience

Who needs this

HTS coated conductor manufacturers (e.g., Deutsche Nanoschicht, SuperOx, SuperPower)Wind turbine manufacturers developing superconducting generatorsPower cable manufacturers for grid-scale superconducting transmissionFusion energy companies needing high-performance superconducting magnetsMedical imaging equipment manufacturers (MRI systems)

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Wind energy equipment

enterprise

Target: Wind turbine manufacturers and component suppliers

If you are a wind turbine manufacturer dealing with heavy, expensive copper generators that limit turbine size and offshore installation — this project developed nanocomposite superconducting wire that achieves 3-4 MA/cm² current density at operating temperature. Superconducting generators can be significantly lighter and more compact, reducing nacelle weight and enabling larger offshore designs. The team demonstrated a 100m wire length, moving toward industrially relevant scale.

Power transmission and distribution

enterprise

Target: Grid operators and cable manufacturers

If you are a power cable manufacturer or grid operator struggling with transmission losses over long distances — this project produced superconducting coated conductors with pinning force of 20 GN/m³, meaning they maintain high current capacity even in magnetic fields. The chemical solution deposition method used is inherently scalable compared to vacuum-based alternatives, and the nanocrystal ink was scaled up to 25g batches (a 20x increase). This opens a path to cost-effective high-temperature superconducting cables.

Superconductor manufacturing

SME

Target: HTS wire and tape producers

If you are a superconducting wire manufacturer looking to improve product performance without overhauling your production line — this project developed a nanoparticle ink that can be integrated into existing chemical solution deposition processes. The nanocrystals act as artificial pinning centres, boosting wire performance to 3-4 MA/cm² critical current density. With industrial partners like Deutsche Nanoschicht and BASF already involved in formulation and scale-up, the coating additive is designed for manufacturing adoption.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to integrate these nanoparticle coatings into our production?

The project does not disclose specific cost figures. However, the chemical solution deposition method used is inherently lower-cost than vacuum-based alternatives (like PLD), and the nanocrystal synthesis was scaled up 20x to 25g batches, suggesting the team prioritised cost-effective production. BASF and hte GmbH contributed flow chemistry and high-throughput design expertise aimed at industrial-scale economics.

Can this be produced at industrial scale?

The project demonstrated scalability in two key ways: producing a 100m long HTS wire (an industrially relevant length) and scaling nanocrystal synthesis to 25g batches, a 20x increase over lab-scale microwave synthesis. Deutsche Nanoschicht GmbH, an industrial HTS wire producer, was a core partner, and BASF contributed flow chemistry expertise specifically for scale-up.

What is the IP situation and how could we license this technology?

The project was an MSCA training network involving Universiteit Gent, Deutsche Nanoschicht GmbH, BASF SE, hte GmbH, and University of Turku. IP is likely shared between academic and industrial partners according to consortium agreements. Based on available project data, licensing enquiries should be directed to Universiteit Gent as coordinator or Deutsche Nanoschicht as the primary industrial partner in HTS wire production.

How does this compare to existing superconducting wire performance?

The project achieved critical current density of 3-4 MA/cm² and pinning force of 20 GN/m³ at 77K, with smooth decay field dependence. These metrics indicate strong performance under applied magnetic fields, which is the key challenge for practical superconductor applications. The specific improvement over baseline depends on the comparison wire, but the pinning centre approach directly targets the main weakness of standard coated conductors.

Is this ready for deployment or still in research phase?

This sits between tested and piloted. The 100m wire demonstration and 20x scale-up of nanocrystal production go beyond lab research, and the involvement of industrial partners (Deutsche Nanoschicht, BASF, hte GmbH) indicates commercial intent. However, further qualification testing and production line integration would be needed before full commercial deployment.

What regulations or standards apply to superconducting wires?

Superconducting wires for energy applications must meet IEC standards for power cables and equipment. Based on available project data, the project focused on materials performance rather than regulatory certification. Any commercial deployment would require standard electrical testing, qualification for specific grid or generator applications, and compliance with relevant national grid codes.

Consortium

Who built it

The SynFoNY consortium is unusually industry-heavy for an academic training network, with 3 out of 5 partners (60%) from industry. Deutsche Nanoschicht GmbH is an established HTS wire manufacturer, giving the project a direct route to commercial application. BASF SE contributed flow chemistry and formulation expertise critical for scaling production, while hte GmbH brought high-throughput experimental design. The academic side — Universiteit Gent (coordinator, nanocrystal synthesis) and University of Turku (characterisation) — provided the fundamental science. This mix across Belgium, Germany, and Finland means the technology was developed with manufacturing realities in mind from day one, not as an afterthought.

UNIVERSITEIT GENTCoordinator · BE
BASF SEpartner · DE
TURUN YLIOPISTOpartner · FI

How to reach the team

Universiteit Gent, Belgium — the coordinator of this 5-partner consortium including Deutsche Nanoschicht GmbH and BASF SE

Order a report on this consortium See UNIVERSITEIT GENT profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the SynFoNY team or a detailed brief on how this nanocomposite coating technology could fit your superconducting wire production? Contact SciTransfer — we connect businesses with EU research teams.

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