Sian Crampsie
AMSC and BASF Corporation have announced plans to jointly develop an advanced low cost manufacturing process for second generation high temperature superconductor (HTS) wire.
Under a set of agreements, the two firms will combine AMSC’s superconductor wire manufacturing expertise and BASF’s chemical solution deposition production technology. In addition, BASF will license AMSC’s second generation HTS manufacturing technology.
AMSC said that the agreements could "dramatically change the economics of superconductors" and help to refine wire process technology. The firm now produces HTS wire for commercial applications "in large quantities" and added that the deal with BASF would give it two potential sources of wire for superconductor applications.
AMSC and BASF said in a statement that the agreements should result in the development of a low cost manufacturing process at BASF, and would also enable AMSC to focus its resources on driving down the total system cost.
"BASF is committed to produce and commercialize HTS wire for standard applications. We expect to utilize our existing relationships to engage large, global organizations in the energy segment to support adoption and development of HTS applications," said Dr. Guido Voit, Managing Director BASF New Business GmbH. "By combining BASF’s strength, experience and global reach with AMSC’s manufacturing know how, we believe we can accelerate the path to commercialize applications using HTS wire."
