Design and Tests of Prototype Hybrid Superconducting Fault Current Limiter With Fast Switch

Abstract

This paper deals with design and operating tests of prototype hybrid superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) which is series connected non-inductive solenoid resistive coil and asymmetric non-inductively wound coils. The role of resistive SFCL is for reducing the fault current in the first swing. Moreover, resistive SFCL can reduce a load of dielectric strength in hybrid SFCL. Two kinds of high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires were used to fabricate asymmetric HTS coil. These HTS wires had different quench characteristics such as different critical current and n-value. Unbalanced current distribution between two HTS wires in the asymmetric HTS coil during the fault should occur. Thus, the asymmetric HTS coil generates impedance and repulsive force from magnetic flux. The finite element method was performed to calculate maximum repulsive force. From experimental tests and FEM simulation results, proper combination of HTS wires and configuration of asymmetric HTS coil with fast switch were determined to increase maximum repulsive force. Also, the prototype hybrid SFCL with fast switch was fabricated and performed.