Operational Characteristics of a Small-Scale Novel Hybrid Resistive-Type SFCL With Controlled Power Electronics

As electric power systems become more complicated, the fault current experiences more frequent changes. To solve this problem, we suggest a novel hybrid-type superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL). Some issues accompany application of resistive-type SFCLs to electric power systems, including initial installation price, operation and maintenance costs, and high-current problems. To overcome these problems, hybrid SFCLs have been developed in some institutions. This paper presents experimental tests of a novel hybrid-type SFCL composed of a resistive superconducting coil, two thyristors, and a control circuit. The superconducting coil limits the first peak of the fault current, and the thyristors control the magnitude of the fault current other than the first peak by adjusting the firing angles. The interactions between the superconducting coil and the thyristors reduce the use of superconducting wire.