Abstract of Thesis presented at COPPE/UFRJ as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)

Economic Impact of High Temperature Supercondutivity Applications to Brazilian Electric Power System

Edisio Alves de Aguiar Junior

December/2012

Advisors:

Richard Magdalena Stephan Roberto Schaeffer

Department:

Eletrical Engineering

      This work develops an analysis of the applications of high-temperature superconductivity in the Brazilian electric power system, from qualitative and quantitative points of view. Considering the technical advantages of the use of superconductors based devices, a state of the art survey was conducted, with the most promising applications being considered. Two qualitative analysis methods are used: the seven domains analysis, particularized for three domains and a SWOT evaluation, verifying the technology relevance, in technical and market aspects.
      The positive results obtained through the qualitative evaluation motivated conducting a quantitative analysis of futures markets of high-temperature superconductivity, considering a scenario where technology becomes viable and competitive against conventional devices. The simulation is performed using as a reference the Brazilian electrical power system, during the time interval between 2015 and 2040, using a computational model assembled in a spreadsheet, in this case, Microsoft Excel. The results show that the viability depends on cost reduction and technical advances to superconductor materials and cryogenic systems, while high energy costs accelerate the market penetration.