Superconducting matrix fault current limiter with current-driven trigger mechanism
AssigneeSuperPower, Inc.
InventorXing Yuan
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. An inductor is connected in series with the trigger superconductor in the trigger matrix and physically surrounds the superconductor. The current surge during a fault will generate a trigger magnetic field in the series inductor to cause fast and uniform quenching of the trigger superconductor to significantly reduce burnout risk due to superconductor material non-uniformity.
Claims27
A matrix-type superconducting fault current limiter having a current limiting matrix section, said fault current limiter comprising:
- a trigger matrix section connected in series with the current limiting matrix section, said trigger matrix section comprising at least one trigger matrix element wherein each respective trigger matrix element is connected in parallel with each other trigger matrix element, each trigger matrix element comprising at least one superconducting trigger mechanism electrically connected in parallel to a plurality of inductors made of electrically conductive material;
- wherein within each superconducting trigger mechanism there is at least one series component made of electrically conductive material that is electrically connected in series with at least one superconducting element, wherein said series component physically surrounds said superconducting element.
A matrix-type superconducting fault current limiter having a current limiting matrix section, said fault current limiter comprising:
- a trigger matrix section connected in series with the current limiting matrix section, said trigger matrix section comprising at least one trigger matrix element wherein each respective trigger matrix element is connected in parallel with each other trigger matrix element, each trigger matrix element comprising at least one superconducting trigger mechanism electrically connected in parallel to a plurality of inductors made of electrically conductive material;
- wherein within each superconducting trigger mechanism is at least one series component made of electrically conductive material that is electrically connected in series with at least one superconducting element, wherein said series component physically surrounds said superconducting element, wherein said superconducting element has at least one parallel connected component made of electrically conductive material.
A matrix-type superconducting fault current limiter having a current limiting matrix section, said fault current limiter comprising:
- a trigger matrix section connected in series with the current limiting matrix section, said trigger matrix section comprising at least one trigger matrix element wherein each respective trigger matrix element is connected in parallel with each other trigger matrix element, each trigger matrix element comprising at least one superconducting trigger mechanism having at least one superconducting element, wherein such mechanism is arranged in parallel to a plurality of inductors made of electrically conductive material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.