HTS- 110 Ltd. and Long Electromagnetics Incorporated are combining efforts to create a compact five megawatt generator. This advancement lowers weight from a traditional five tons all the way down to only 1.5 tons. This increases mobility drastically. At only 1.5 tons, this machine can be airlifted, shipped, or moved in a truck. An increase in mobility, allows this generator to be applicable in more scenarios especially emergency and disaster areas.

This new technology utilizes a four-pole superconducting rotor, air-cooled copper stator, and a BSCCO wire to produce its high output. This BSCCO wire is patented by HTS-110 for its unique ceramic structure which enables superconductivity. The use of superconductive materials in generators is a new advancement with a high potential to increase efficiency. Its five megawatt output is enough electricity to serve about 2500 homes.

In addition to its impressive output, it is up to five times faster than traditional 5MW generators. The same advancements in superconductivity to increase speed and output also largely contribute to its decrease in weight. These parts weigh less than the many more traditional hefty parts required to produce the same output, but at a lower speed.

LEI and HTS-110 are looking to make this machine readily available quickly. Early expectations shoot for 2008. It is intended to be used first by military and NASA; however, versions applicable for businesses and the general public are not far away. Commercial models are already being developed. 

While this generator has a variety of uses, it is excellent for providing high power in emergency situations. Often only smaller generators can be transported to confined disaster areas which are usually blanketed in debris. This is insufficient for many situations. However; now there is an answer. With a variety of transport options and a high power output, this will offer tremendous aid in much needed situations.

References:
“Lightweight generator a world first for emergency power.”
http://www.hts-110.com/news/coverage/lightweight-generator.html