Proof-of-concept prototype test results of a superconducting fault current limiter for transmission-level applications

SuperPower, Inc. and Nexans SuperConductors GmbH have partnered to develop a superconducting fault current limiter for transmission level applications. The device employs SuperPower's Matrix Fault Current Limiter (MFCL) technology and BSCCO-2212 bulk material manufactured by Nexans' melt cast processing technique. The development program has been underway since June 2002 and is divided into a series of prototype demonstrations of progressive capability, culminating in a Beta prototype that will be installed at a host utility on a 138 kV line. This paper describes the test results of the first major program milestone, a proof-of-concept prototype at distribution level voltage. The test results show the expected current limiting performance of the MFCL technology to provide fast current limiting and dynamic resistance development before the first peak of the fault. The fault current evenly distributes among the elements of the MFCL array, which employs a resistive-inductive approach for limiting the current. The results also show the excellent electric field performance of the BSCCO-2212 material.