Planning

High Temperature Superconducting Rotor with Rotating Cryostat

THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 May 2026 at 11:24

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Bath, a public authority under sub-central government, is in the planning stage of a procurement process to acquire a high temperature superconducting rotor with a rotating cryostat. This initiative, which involves the design, manufacture, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the equipment, is set within the sector of electric motors, generators, transformers, and laboratory optical equipment. Located in Bath, the procurement is part of an open competition process with the call for suppliers open until 16th June 2026. The rotor system requires compatibility with existing infrastructure and must adhere to UK standards, promising opportunities for various suppliers to express interest before a formal tender is issued.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses in the fields of engineering design services and precision equipment manufacturing, particularly those specialising in high temperature superconducting technology and cryogenic systems. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), are encouraged to participate as the procurement method supports open competition below the specified threshold. With a contract period spanning from July 2026 to July 2028, this tender not only offers financial opportunities but also the chance to showcase technological expertise, thereby fostering business growth and expanding market presence. Participation in this procurement could bolster a company's profile as it provides comprehensive aftersales support and training, ensuring long-term engagement with the University of Bath.

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Notice Title

High Temperature Superconducting Rotor with Rotating Cryostat

Notice Description

The University plans to procure the equipment listed below. Ahead of issuing a formal tender, we are seeking contact from suppliers who believe they may be able to submit a bid, as we are currently assessing what is available in the market. Please contact LH295@bath.ac.uk if you believe you would be able to submit a bid for this requirement: High Temperature Superconducting Rotor with Rotating Cryostat Specification The University of Bath requires the design, manufacture, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a high temperature superconducting (HTS) rotor with an integrated rotating cryostat system. The HTS rotor with rotating cryostat shall include, as a minimum: *HTS rotor magnets; *Cryogenic rotating seal; *Vacuum pumping interface; *Slip rings; *Rotating signal acquisition system. The supplied HTS rotor with cryostat shall be compatible with the University's existing electric machine stator, motor drive platform, Stirling SPC-1T cryogenerator and associated helium interfaces. Technical Requirements The HTS rotor shall utilise REBCO coils and shall be conduction cooled through helium gas circulation cooling. The operating temperature of the REBCO coils shall achieve 25 K or below. The helium gas circulation cooling system shall operate at pressures of 10 bar or higher. The air-gap magnetic field should achieve 0.8 T or higher. A cryogenic rotating seal shall be provided to connect the helium gas pipeline between the HTS rotor and the Stirling SPC-1T cryogenerator. The HTS rotor shall include temperature sensors, magnetic field sensors and voltage taps on the HTS coils. Rotor excitation shall be achieved through the current leads connected to the slip rings. A dedicated vacuum pumping interface shall be provided to connect the rotating vacuum chamber to an external stationary vacuum pump station. The cryostat shall incorporate high-vacuum insulation and multi-layer thermal insulation (MLI). Compliance and Usability The complete HTS rotor and rotating cryostat system shall comply with all applicable UK standards and regulations. Ease of operation for non-expert users is essential. Suppliers shall demonstrate the reliability, robustness, and user-friendliness of the proposed system. We will also consider the environmental impact of the equipment, thus power saving functions, and mechanisms to reduce on-going consumable costs, will be favoured. Installation and Training Installation should include all required parts and labour. We are aiming for a delivery as early as possible, so we desire short lead times. Comprehensive training should be provided for at least two members of facility staff after commissioning. Warranty and Support Reliable, efficient and prompt post-installation customer support is essential. We require a minimum 12-month fully-comprehensive post-commissioning warranty and a strong post-warranty service contract. Efficient aftersales engineer support is desired for the lifetime of the cryostat, as is remote support for the hardware via the internet.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06a8c8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050799-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

31100000 - Electric motors, generators and transformers

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

71320000 - Engineering design services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£120,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£120,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 May 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
16 Jun 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
15 Jun 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 1 Jul 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BATH
Postcode
BA2 7AY
Post Town
Bath
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
TLK12 Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Local Authority
Bath and North East Somerset
Electoral Ward
Bathwick
Westminster Constituency
Bath

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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