Superconductors give no electrical resistance and reduce loss of power when moving through a circuit. They can also produce the most powerful magnets|Argonne National Laboratory|CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Two research papers claim to have developed, in theory, a superconductor that works at room temperature and ambient pressure. If proven true, it will mark a new dawn in energy transmission.
A South Korean research team recently said they have synthesized a new material called LK-99 that is superconductive at any temperature below 261°F (127°C) and doesn’t need high-pressure chambers.
Some physicists believe that, if made practical, the above claims would save 1.100 billion kilowatts of energy used in electricity transmission every year in the U.S. alone.
What is a superconductor?
A superconductor is an efficient medium to transfer energy, like electricity. It gives no electrical resistance and reduces the loss of power when moving through a circuit. It can also produce the most powerful magnets.
But at the same time, superconductors are also known to be impractical for daily or normal circuit usage since they require low temperatures and high pressure to function.
Importance
If a room-temperature superconductor is commercialized, it will increase the speed at which energy is transferred and ensure low-loss power transmission. It could
- Reduce electricity bills.
- Create cheaper and more powerful MRI machines.
- Make compact and efficient motors.
- Make maglev trains more common.
- Create phone batteries that don’t overheat.
But
We have to take the latest discovery with a grain of salt. Scientists have earlier made claims about developing a room-temperature superconductor but later retracted it.