Test Results of a Superconducting Fault Current Limiter Using YBCO Coated Conductor

A single-phase superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) using a 0.9 m length of YBCO coated conductor (CC) tape was tested in 220 V-60 Hz line for fault current up to 1 kA, operating in 77 K. In this work are presented the I-V experimental curves measured under DC and AC currents for the electrical characterization of the CC tape in order to design a low voltage current limiter. The experimental setup is described and the test results are presented for a unit conducting a steady nominal AC current of 50 A and also during the fault time (1 to 5 cycles.) The performance of the CC-based SFCL providing the limiting resistance developed in the whole tape length after few milliseconds of the beginning of the fault was analyzed.