Managing urban network fault levels- A role for a resistive superconducting fault current limiter?

A resistive superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) based on MnB2 has been investigated as a means of reducing network fault level. The deployment strategy of this device has been discussed and its performance as a fault current limiter has been analysed with the aid of network simulation results. It has been demonstrated that a resistive SCFCL can reduce all three components of fault currents: peak make, peak break and rms break. In turn reduced peak make leads to reduced electromagnetic forces on conductor carrying fault current, reduced torques on generator and prime mover and less damage at the point of fault.