3. Power applications of superconductors

The reader is referred to the article Cryoelectric machines [D 3 660] in this treatise. Only a few general points are covered here.

Although they have not revolutionized the technical landscape, superconductors have established themselves successfully and efficiently in certain sectors. Superconducting coils for medical imaging or spectroscopy represent the main niche of industrial applications. High-energy physics and, more recently, thermonuclear fusion continue to play a major role in driving cryoelectronics. These achievements, even if they cannot be described as industrial, have enabled us to acquire considerable knowledge and know-how, as well as to develop NbTi and Nb ₃ Sn conductors and advance the critical current performance...