Models for fault current limiters based on superconductor materials

Abstract

The present paper introduces the main electric applications of superconducting materials, focusing on Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCL). In recent years, short-circuit current values have increased, mainly due to a higher penetration of distributed generation. Fault Current Limiters (FCL) based on superconductor materials can provide one of the most promising solutions for limiting those fault currents. Nowadays, research focuses mainly on resistive SFCLs, because of size, cost and product maturity. Several modelling approaches for resistive type current limiters, as proposed in the literature, are reviewed hereby.