Fault current limiting with high Tc superconductor

Interconnected power system operation has given rise to the problem of increased fault levels and leads to overstressing of all the components. The current, if limited by a fault current limiter (FCL), obviates the need for costly circuit breaker replacements. Use has been made of recently developed high T_c BiSrCaCuO superconductors in devising a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) that promises optimum performance in terms of capital cost, size, autosensing, operational losses, response time and reliability. This paper describes the principles of operation, design and fabrication details of such a SFCL. Comparison has been made with conventional FCLs as available in literature to establish its superiority