Development of HTS current leads for industrial fabrication

High temperature superconductor current leads have been demonstrated to provide cryogenic savings compared to conventional copper leads. The applicability of HTS current leads to industrial fabrication is now a possibility. CRPP and WEKA AG are collaborating in the development of current leads for currents in the range of 3 kA to 30 kA, which are suitable for industrial fabrication. The design of these leads is such that the architecture and construction can be easily scaled to the required current level. The main components of these current leads are an HTS module, a copper heat exchanger, and cold and warm end connections. Two 10 kA prototype current leads, mainly distinguished by different designs of the copper heat exchanger, will be constructed. They will be tested at CRPP to verify the manufacturing processes and the overall design

Cost Overruns in Hydrocarbon Megaprojects: A Critical Review and Implications for Research

Cost overruns are prevalent in hydrocarbon (oil and gas) megaprojects. A recent report indicates that 64% of ongoing megaprojects globally are facing cost overruns. Despite their increasing occurrence, there has been limited published research in the mainstream literature that has specifically examined why and how they occur. Consequently, suggestions regarding how to constructively address cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects are scant. To better understand the causal nature of cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects, this article provides a critical review of the extant literature. Findings from the research indicate that complex interactions between project characteristics, people, technology, and structure and culture contribute to cost overruns occurring. As a result, it is suggested that chaos theory can be used to explain how cost overruns arise in hydrocarbon megaprojects. This article provides a reference point for engendering future research in this pervasive and fertile area