Select your language

Research on copper domain in high-tech conductors

International. The International Copper Association (ICA) announced that, despite significant progress, emerging conductive materials are still far from competitive with copper. The research, conducted by IDTechEx, focuses on pure nanocarbon materials, copper nanocomposites and high-temperature superconductors, and suggests that these materials, although still in relative infancy, do not have the properties or costs necessary to threaten the current market.

Improved conductors would theoretically have lower resistance, greater current carrying capacity, lighter weight, smaller size, and reduced temperature dependence. However, according to Dr. Richard Collins, a technology analyst at IDTechEx and author of the research, none of the materials investigated meet all the requirements.

Colin Bennett, Global Manager of Market Analysis and Scope, ICA notes: "It seems clear from the study that competing drivers are far from gaining a foothold in the market, and copper will remain the cornerstone of technological innovation in the future."

Pure nanocarbon materials
Since their inception in the early 1990s, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been identified as a possible replacement for copper. In their nanoscale form, their high amperage, thermal conductivity, bending resistance, lower density and resistance temperature coefficient give them some significant advantages over copper. However, successfully translating these benefits to the macroscale is very challenging.

- Publicidad -

The progression to macroscale CNT cables, wires and tapes has undergone significant improvements over the past 10 years, and is expected to continue, but the most difficult steps are yet to come and we will not see the CNT thread used in any of the major applications, at least another 10-15 years.

Copper
Sometimes called nanoalloys or ultraconducting copper, copper nanocomposites refer to the inclusion of conductive material, such as CNT or graphene, in a copper matrix. Due to their extremely low levels of electrical resistance, which has been measured up to 118% of IACS, copper nanocomposites could be used in a wide range of electrical applications, including magnetic wires in motor stators; copper foil in batteries; tables of circiutos; joining wire for lead frame to chip; chip-level connection; power transmission cable; and power cord.

However, common challenges in manufacturing high-volume usable cable with uniform properties, cost-effectiveness, and availability of upstream supply chain nanocarbon materials are holding back these materials. Most of the research is carried out at the university level.

High-temperature superconductors
High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are the most mature and widely tested of these emerging conductors. They provide zero-resistance solutions when cryogenically cooled below their critical temperature.

With a cable that transmits three to five times the power of copper cable, which helps minimize land use in urban areas; zero resistance cable that minimizes power loss; and the power it transmits at higher current and low voltage, HTS have already been tested in a number of projects. According to research, processing costs are the biggest challenge for HTS. "To ensure large-scale adoption, the cost must reach $20-30 per meter of kiloamp," says Richard.

Source: International Copper Association.

Duván Chaverra Agudelo
Duván Chaverra AgudeloEmail: [email protected]
Editor Jefe
Jefe Editorial en Latin Press, Inc,. Comunicador Social y Periodista con experiencia de más de 12 años en medios de comunicación. Apasionado por la tecnología. Director Académico del Congreso RefriAméricas.

No comments

• If you're already registered, please log in first. Your email will not be published.

Leave your comment

In reply to Some User
Building Automation Days 2025 in Bogota marks a milestone for the KNX standard in Latin America

Building Automation Days 2025 in Bogota marks a milestone for the KNX standard in Latin America

Colombia. With more than a hundred attendees and the participation of six high-profile exhibitors, Building Automation Days by KNX LATAM, Colombia edition, established itself as the most relevant...

Design Envelope Technology Hits 750 gpm Fire Pump Segment

Design Envelope Technology Hits 750 gpm Fire Pump Segment

Canada. In response to the growing demands of the fire protection industry, Armstrong Fluid Technology announced the expansion of its Vertical-In-Line pump line with the addition of the new 5x4x10PF...

Greenheck Launches New RV-220 Model and Expands Its Line of Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems

Greenheck Launches New RV-220 Model and Expands Its Line of Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems

United States. Greenheck announced the addition of the RV-220 to its line of dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), a solution that responds to the growing demand for equipment with greater outdoor...

Embraco enters the HVAC market with new scroll compressors and aims to become a full-service supplier

Embraco enters the HVAC market with new scroll compressors and aims to become a full-service supplier

Brazil. Embraco announced its official entry into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) market following the acquisition of the specialized company Xecom, and the launch of a new line...

SIGMAN GROUP and Carrier-VRF reinforce technical training in the HVAC sector in Ecuador

SIGMAN GROUP and Carrier-VRF reinforce technical training in the HVAC sector in Ecuador

Ecuador. An intensive week of technical and commercial training brought together key players in the HVAC sector in Quito and Guayaquil, thanks to the joint initiative of GRUPO SIGMAN and...

AHR Expo Mexico 2025 returns to Monterrey with its most ambitious edition yet

AHR Expo Mexico 2025 returns to Monterrey with its most ambitious edition yet

Mexico. The event returns this year to Monterrey with an unprecedented edition. The exhibition, dedicated to air conditioning, ventilation, heating, refrigeration and filtration solutions, promises...

Fujitsu Launches New AIRSTAGE Multi-Position Air Handler with R-32 Refrigerant

Fujitsu Launches New AIRSTAGE Multi-Position Air Handler with R-32 Refrigerant

United States. Fujitsu General America announced the launch of its new AIRSTAGE Multi-Position Air Handling Unit (MPAHU), designed to provide greater application flexibility by easily...

HVAC project at the Javeriana University, finalist in the CALA Awards 2025 in the HVAC category

HVAC project at the Javeriana University, finalist in the CALA Awards 2025 in the HVAC category

The HVAC system installed in the building of the Faculty of Sciences of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, in Bogotá, was selected as a finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025. The...

Concord Project in La Lima Free Trade Zone, finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025

Concord Project in La Lima Free Trade Zone, finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025

The HVAC system project carried out by MultiFRIO for the company Concord in the La Lima Free Trade Zone, in Cartago, received the final prize in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025, a...

HVAC project at the Universidad Santiago de Cali, finalist in the CALA AWARDS HVAC category

HVAC project at the Universidad Santiago de Cali, finalist in the CALA AWARDS HVAC category

The air conditioning project of the Auditorium Building and the Technology Center of the new campus of the Santiago de Cali University was chosen as a finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA...

Free Subscription
Remember Me
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
DO YOU NEED A SERVICE OR PRODUCT QUOTE?
LASTEST INTERVIEWS
SITE SPONSORS










LASTEST NEWSLETTER
Ultimo Info-Boletin