A new type of superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL)

The superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is one method to solve the conflict between the rated value of breaker and fault current. Unfortunately, all types of SFCL currently available are too expensive to be used in electric power systems. Moreover, some types of SFCL need long time to recovery from quench condition, which adds difficulty on the co-operation with re-closer. A new type of SFCL is proposed. In this type of SFCL, superconducting valve works as an auto-switch, and detection as well as control circuit are omitted. This paper describes the configuration and principle of the new type SFCL. The behaviors of this type SFCL, such as response time, characteristics of auto-reset and equivalent impedance, are analyzed. The influence of current transformer is also discussed.