Author Question: Recently, superconducting wire was made using magnesium diboride (S. Jin, H. Mavoori, C. Bower, and ... (Read 13 times)

Coya19@aol.com · **on:** Jul 28, 2018

Recently, superconducting wire was made using magnesium diboride (S. Jin, H. Mavoori, C. Bower, and R. B. Van Dover, High critical currents in iron-clad superconducting MgB2 wires, Nature 411, 563 (2001)).

This is assumed to hold the promise of cheap efficient energy transmission. Explain how this might be true.

Question 2

How can OTEC installations provide fresh water as well as electricity? Explain.

What will be an ideal response?

strudel15 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

First, this material is basically a metal and relatively easy to work, to make wires
of. Second, as indicated, it is a superconductor. That means that its resistance vanishes at
low enough temperatures. Low fabrication costs and low losses could lead to lower
transmission costs.

Answer to Question 2

Part of the OTEC cycle involves evaporation and recondensation. This is a natural
place to separate fresh water from salt water.