Current limiter based on melt processed YBCO bulk superconductors

One of the first applications of YBCO bulk superconductors developed in Spain within the framework of the MIDAS programme was the design and construction of a small inductive fault current limiter. This paper describes the whole process of design and manufacturing of the limiter, starting from the synthesis of the bulk superconductor to achieve a melt textured ring. Transport properties of this material are also described and measured. The second part of the paper describes the current limiter, starting from basic equations and the equivalent circuit which considers the device as a transformer, providing a useful tool for the design and simulation. After a description of the limiter and its main parameters, simulation results are compared to experimental measurements.<>