Development of Inductive fault current limiters up to 100kVA class using bulk HTS materials

Since 1992, Hydro-Quebec has been developing prototypes of screened iron core fault current limiters for medium voltage distribution networks. Fault current limiters (FCLs) are amongst the most promising applications of high temperature superconductors. The unique properties of HTS such as high T-c and high resistivity in the flux flow state make them suitable for a design based on bulk materials. A 100kVA class inductive study prototype of SFCL built around five commercial Bi-2212 hollow tubes (Hoechst) has been repeatedly tested at similar to 600Vrms in nominal and fault conditions. In particular the thermal stability has been investigated as a function of the temperature of the nitrogen bath (67-77K). Simulation of the behaviour of the inductive limiter using differential equations are presented where both electromagnetic and thermal behaviour are considered. Part of this work is done within the joint collaboration between Hydro-Quebec, Canada and Siemens, Germany.