Tests showed that 348 superconductors with today’s performance levels can already be utilized to produce a 36.5-MW (almost 50,000 hp) high-temperature semiconductor ship propulsion motor able to operate at 38 degrees Kelvin—eight degrees higher than the operating temperature of the 36.5-MW ship propulsion motor that American Semiconductor is shipping to the U.S. Navy that utilizes the company’s 1G HTS wire.
The advantages of a superconductor enhanced engine versus a conventional engine:
are 1/3 of the weight (69 tons instead of 200 tons)
1/2 the size
Up to 10% more fuel efficient at low speed
Specification sheet on the superconductor enhanced engines
The progress made over the last few decades with superconductors has been made without a solid and detailed theory of how superconductors exactly work. I think there will be substantial growth in our understanding of condensed matter physics over the next few years. This will come from the availability of new quantum computers for better accurate simulations of electrons and atoms and from new tools for more accurate measurements. The understanding of shortcomings in our current knowledge are shown by the development of entirely new areas of study such as in metamaterials.
Understanding the mechanism for superconductivity
A paper (pdf) that proposes a design for a room temperature superconductor
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.