Conceptual design of an SFCL by use of BSCCO wire

Abstract

Superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) are promising devices to reduce the fault current constraint when designing and operating power systems. SFCLs must meet requirements for precise operation, operating impedance, recovery time, and so on. SFCLs using YBCO thin film or bulk BSCCO meet some of these requirements. However, it is quite difficult to satisfy the requirements of precise operation and quick recovery time. A transformer type SFCL with an adjustable trigger current level can enhance the precision of operation and fulfill the requirements for SFCLs. However, not enough impedance could be generated by use of a transformer type SFCL using Ag sheathed BSCCO wire designed in the same way as an SFCL based on NbTi. Therefore, in this paper, the relationship between the geometrical dimensions and the impedance characteristics of a newly designed transformer type SFCL is deduced from simulations. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd.