German engineering company Siemens, Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Government's Defence Science and Technology Group have unveiled prototype high-temperature superconductors (HTS). It is the result of a five year research agreement announced last year, and an example for a successful collaboration between research, private sector and the government.
HTS relates to materials that behave as superconductors at very high temperatures. The technology enables dense currents to be carried with virtually no energy loss, which could reduce the size and weight of conventional motors by more than 30%. For the Australian Navy, this could lead to significant benefits, as vessels become more energy-efficient and also cheaper to run.
Siemens is investing 15 years of HTS knowledge in the partnership, and initially $2.5 million in equipment, resources and R&D at QUT's Banyo Pilot Plant Precinct, a purpose-built facility with specialist capabilities for large-scale engineering research, testing and validation.
According to Siemens Australia chief executive officer Jeff Connolly, HTS technologies have strong maritime defence applications, but could also have a major impact in other energy-use sectors such as power and transport.
Also in other technology areas the German company is engaging with research facilities, in Australia and around the world. Each year the company is investing around $6 billion into R&D, and in Australia its ventures include the Tonsley innovation hub, which currently developed in Adelaide to drive a new advanced manufacturing industry in the state.