Testing bulk HTS modules for resistive superconducting fault current limiters

Abstract

Recent investigations show that high Tc bulk material is an attractive material option in resistive superconducting fault current limiters. Our investigation focuses on the short-circuit behavior of long samples of MCP-BSCCO2212 and polycrystalline melt-textured YBCO. The experiments have been performed for different operating temperatures, short-circuit duration and prospective short-circuit currents. The measurements demonstrate that a metallic bypass is needed to avoid destructive hot spots during quench. Quench and limitation tests of MCP-BSCCO2212 bifilar coils with integrated high resistive metallic shunt down to 65 K have successfully been performed. This type of module will be used for construction of a 10 MVA power system demonstrator.