Development of high-Tc superconducting inductive current limiter for power systems

Inductive fault current limiter constitutes a non-linear electric reactor in which high temperature superconducting (HTSC) rings form the secondary short-circuited coil while a current under control flows in a normal primary coil. The transition of the rings to the normal state causes an increase in device's impedance and limits the fault current. We present the results of the theoretical and experimental investigations of the performance of an inductive current limiter. In particular, we concentrate on transitions to the normal state and on the recovery of superconductivity in the active rings. We present the evaluations of basic parameters of appropriate 6kV/1500A and 15kV/1500A class device. It follows that the required parameters can be matched by using rings fabricated with currently available technology.