Superconducting fault current limiter

US8848323B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ROLLS-ROYCE plc

Inventors

• Stephen M. Husband · Derby, GB
• Alexander C. Smith · Holmfirth, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2009
• Grant date: Sep 30, 2014
• Expiry date: Jun 7, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N60/30

Abstract

A superconducting fault current limiter comprises a superconducting element having a plurality of superconducting portions and at least one connector. Each superconducting portion has end regions and each connector is connected to the end regions of adjacent superconducting portions to electrically and thermally connect adjacent superconducting portions of the superconducting fault current limiter together. Each connector provides a local reduction in the critical current and quench current of the end regions of the superconducting portions in contact with the at least one connector. This provides a phased transition of the superconducting fault current limiter in relation to the severity of a fault current.