D1.1 Definition of use cases

This deliverable aims at identifying the relevant use cases for HTS and MgB2 superconducting cable systems up to 100 kVDC with powers of the order of 1 GW using the different technologies available.
Based on the main characteristics of onshore and offshore power links for renewable farm-to-grid or grid-to-grid connection, of cooling systems, and the constraints in terms of unit lengths for superconducting cable systems, a reduced set of cable layouts is proposed to address all types of power links.
The selected cable layouts, two for onshore and one for offshore, are defined by a unit length of cable (core and cryostat) linked to the distance between the cooling stations for a given range of cooling power at operational temperatures (close to 70 K for HTS and 20 K for MgB2). Each cable layout requires specific types of accessories and ancillary services.
The converter architecture depends strongly on the power level (1 or 2 GW) in the existing configuration. For each power level, two possible cable system structures for HTS and two for MgB2 have been selected, with different properties in term of rated voltage, environmental impact, redundancies, expected cost and cable productions runs.
Depending on the performance criteria that are requested by customers, a selection is proposed with the most appropriate use cases to be studied in depth in terms of technical and economical assessments, as well as environmental impacts.