Simulations and Tests of MCP-BSCCO-2212 Superconducting Fault Current Limiters

Superconducting fault current limiters (SCFCLs) represent a promising solution to the problem of increasing short- circuit currents in the grid. The SCFCL is based on the fast transition from the superconducting state to the normal state, causing a sudden increase in the impedance of the network. In this paper, we simulate the behavior of resistive-type SCFCL modules. The SCFCL modules are based on MCP-BSCCO 2212 coils. The superconductor acts as a nonlinear resistance that varies with the current and the temperature. The behavior of the simulated curves is consistent with the experimental results. Short-circuit currents as high as 37 kApeakwere limited to about 10% of their peak values in the first half cycle.