The Applied Superconductivity Conference (ASC 2010), held this summer in Washington, DC (August 1–6), brought together over 1,400 leaders in the commercial, military, research, university, and industrial communities from around the world. (www.ascinc.org/article/view/introduction).
Participants at this year’s event discussed the progress and challenges in the field of applied superconductivity at several plenary sessions, in daily technical discussions,and with exhibitors from major superconducting and cryogenic companies. Among the exhibitors at this year’s show were: American Superconductor (www.amsc.com); Cryo Industries of America Inc. (www.cryoindustries.com); Cryofab Inc. (www.cryofab.com); Cryomech Inc. (www. cryomech.com); Eden Cryogenics LLC (www. edencryogenics.com); International Cryogenics Inc. (www.internationalcryo.com); PHPK Technologies (www.phpk.com); Stirling Cryogenics BV (www. stirlingcryogenics.com); and Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of America Inc. (www.shicryogenics.com), to name a few.
Superconducting technology has matured over the past quarter century and now is enjoying a growing role in meeting the energy challenges of the 21st century. From efficient, power dense applications — such as insulating transmission lines for the smart grid or motors for industrial or transportation needs — to very low power quantum level devices for sensing and logic elements, superconducting applications are offering the kind of unparalleled performance crucial to meeting growing energy needs. The key to progress in superconducting applications is the continued development of new materials. System designs stressing reliable, long-term use that can compete economically with other technologies are a major focus of the superconducting industry as it grows its customer base (www.ascinc.org/article/view/ introduction).
... to continue reading you must be subscribed
