Test results of the 5 kA/sub RMS/-50 kV/sub RMS/ HTS AC lead

In the framework of a BRITE/EURAM project, an AC 5 kA/sub RMS/-50 kV/sub RMS/ hybrid superconducting lead has been built and tested. The horizontal and coaxial lead design approaches the requirements for feed-through for power links. This design, which uses very short lead parts (0.1 m for the superconducting Bi-2212 part and 0.2 m for copper normal part), has turned out to be a good compromise between AC losses, heat conduction, cryogenics, vacuum and high voltage requirements. High voltage and high current tests have been carried out successfully at the target values. The 4 K heat load value can be reduced by a factor 5 and the global refrigeration load (room temperature power consumption) was reduced by a factor of 3 compared to a classical all-metal AC lead.