Preliminary assessment of superconductor circuit breaker for space applications

Circuit breakers utilizing high-transition-temperature superconductors (HTTSC) offer improved electrical power system control, protection, and reliability for use in space applications. The HTTSC circuit breaker presented here offers all the benefits of a fuse (small size, low weight, and high reliability) as well as the ability to reapply power. In conjunction with automated system control, the HTTSC circuit breaker will allow time delay following opening to permit computer-controlled load reduction prior to remake. Deep-space-facing radiator technology produces the necessary cooling. Performance parameters, including response times, are modeled using the SPICE computer package