11 Oct
2023
Conductors, in the simplest terms, refer to a material that allows the passing of electrical current through it. On the other hand, insulators do not allow passage of electrical current through it. The reason why conductors allow passage of electricity while insulators do not is due to the concept of resistance. As the electrical resistance increases, the capacity of the material to conduct electricity decreases. Thus, conductors offer less electrical resistance, while insulators offer high resistance, thereby imparting these materials their electrical properties. Scientists, in their bid to discover materials that offer least resistance, came across materials that offer near zero electrical resistance. Such materials are called superconductors.
Potential futuristic applications of superconductors
A current passed through a superconductor persists indefinitely even without a power source as there is no resistance to counter the current. As a result, superconductors are used to manufacture powerful electromagnets. These properties of superconductors have compelled scientists to examine the possible applications of superconductors in the future.
Most importantly, superconductors could help realize the dream of wireless power transmission. Superconductivity would aid in powering electrical devices without the assistance of cords and cables which, in turn, would increase their efficiency and flexibility. Superconductivity could also help in building transport systems which use minimal energy for travelling huge distances at high speeds. Maglev trains is one such example. Also, deep space exploration and interplanetary space travel can be made possible with the help of superconductivity. Superconductors could also come in handy in manufacturing advanced healthcare systems such as high-tech MRI machines. Since superconductors make the best electromagnets, accurate diagnosis with help of these MRI machines could become possible. Development of clean energy technology and efficient drug discovery mechanisms are another innovative use-cases of superconductivity.
Important trends in the superconductors industry
A report published by Allied Market Research has stated that the superconductors market is anticipated to grow at a stunning CAGR of 10% in the 2023-2032 period. The diverse applicability of superconductors in different sectors of the economy will contribute to helping the market achieve this growth trajectory. Major private companies and governmental agencies have announced partnerships for the development of technologies to harness the power of superconductors. For example, in December 2022, Airbus and CERN announced a collaboration for the development of clean aviation technologies using superconductors. These partnerships will ultimately aid in expanding the horizons of the market.
Recently, Toshiba announced that it was developing a superconducting motor prototype. As per the company, this prototype would help in designing carbon-neutral transportation systems that could travel long distances at high speeds. Such product launches will surely trigger a wave of innovations in the industry.
The futuristic applications and use-cases of superconductivity have led to huge investments in the R&D of superconductors. The partnerships between leading technology companies and innovative product launches have also contributed to widening the scope of the market. All these factors taken together will surely lead to a massive growth in the market in the near future.
Rosy Behera
Author's Bio- Rosy Behera holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and now she is a content writer by profession. She loves to portray her thoughts and ideas with a nice command of words. Grabbing an audience with her creative write-ups is one of her biggest assets so far. Apart from writing, she is a certified “Odisi” dancer and has done Gardharva in Drawing, Painting, and Arts. She always explores new things through travel and is a big foodie.
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