Inductive superconducting current limiter: State of art and prospects

This paper describes the contemporary status of an inductive current limiter based on tire superconducting to normal state transition in a superconductor. This device consists of a primary normal metal coil coupled via a ferromagnetic core to a secondary short-circuited high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) coil that can be performed in the form of a set of rings or cylinders. Investigations carried out recently in several laboratories showed feasibility of employing HTSC materials to build a current limiting device. However, there is a number of problems related both to the device's design and application. The problems of inhomogeneity of superconducting elements, overheating and recovery of superconducting state are considered The simulation results of operation of a 13.8 kV distribution class device are presented In conclusion, the prospects of a HTSC current limiter are discussed.