Heat generation and temperature rise in a resistive type superconducting fault current limiter

In superconducting power apparatus, electric insulation is one of the most important deciding factors on their performance. There has been investigations about bubble generation and insulation strength in SFCLs. However, the relationship between short circuit current and heat generation is not sufficiently investigated. The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of short circuit current on Joule heat generation in a YBCO-type resistive type SFCL. A 3-D model with superconducting tape winded on a PE pipe was built. Simulation was done considering the current density, thermal exchange and movement of liquid nitrogen. Results showed that heat generation was mainly affected by current passing through superconducting tapes with a relationship as Q ∞ k * I³ from 200A to 400A.