Matrix-type superconducting fault current limiter
AssigneeIGC-Superpower, LLC
InventorsXing Yuan, Drew W. Hazelton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular and scalable Matrix-type Fault Current Limiter (MFCL) that functions as a “variable impedance” device in an electric power network, using components made of superconducting and non-superconducting electrically conductive materials. The detection of a fault and subsequent activation of the current-limiting impedance of the MFCL are done passively by built-in matrix design, without assistance of active control mechanisms.
Claims10
A matrix-type superconducting fault current limiter comprising a trigger matrix section and a current limiting matrix section,
- wherein the trigger matrix section and the current limiting matrix section are electrically connected in series with one another, and are composed of components made of superconducting and non-superconducting electrically conductive materials,
- wherein the trigger matrix section comprises n, n being ≧1, trigger elements arranged in a one column×n row matrix fashion where the n number of trigger elements are electrically connected in parallel with one another, each trigger element comprising at least one non-inductively arranged superconducting component electrically connected in parallel with a plurality of non-superconducting components, and
- wherein the current limiting matrix section comprises m×n, with m being ≧1, current limiting elements arranged in a m column×n row matrix fashion where n number of current limiting elements are electrically connected in parallel with each other to form one current limiting module, and where m number of current limiting modules are electrically connected in series with one another, each current limiting element comprising at least one non-inductively arranged superconducting component electrically connected in parallel with at least one non-superconducting component.
A fault current limiting device incorporating superconducting and non-superconducting electrically conductive materials comprising a trigger matrix section and a current limiting matrix section wherein
- the number of rows “n” in both matrices is primarily determined by the peak normal operating current level such that this peak current level divided by the number of rows in the matrices does not exceed the critical current level of an individual superconducting component used in the fault current limiting device matrices;
- the number of columns “m” in the current limiting matrix is primarily determined by the current limiting impedance requirement for a specific electric network such that the sum of the total impedance of the trigger matrix section, and the total impedance of the current limiting matrix section after the superconducting components have transitioned to their non-superconducting resistive state is no less than the minimum current limiting impedance requirement for the specific electric network to which it is connected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.