Viable Inductive Superconducting Fault-Current Limiters Using Autotransformer-Based Hybrid Schemes

Among superconducting fault-current limiters (FCLs), the inductive type has some distinctive merits such as large design flexibility due to the turn ratio, isolation between a current-limiting device and a power transmission line, and low heat losses. This paper highlights the future perspective for an inductive-type superconducting fault-current limiter (LSFCL) by using an autotransformer (AT) in closed- and open-core schemes. These are considered technically feasible and economically viable alternative for the LSFCL in terms of compactness, efficient limitation, and lower alternating-current losses, which prove to be a construction cost-effective means of fault-current management. In the hybrid scheme, a diode-bridge-type SFCL is integrated with an AT-based LSFCL. The above is accomplished by advanced numerical techniques and, hence, simulation studies in a sample distribution system to realize the significant efficiency improvement of the superconductor-based technology.