Description of need
HTS materials like REBCO can be employed in fault current limiters (FCLs) to protect electrical grids from short-circuit faults. FCLs based on HTS technology could rapidly and automatically limit the flow of excessive current during faults, preventing equipment damage and minimizing power disruptions. By maintaining grid stability and preventing cascading failures, HTS-based FCLs enhance the reliability and resilience of the electrical power infrastructure.
Problem severity (1-10)
Who has this need
Total addressable market (TAM)
Solutions today, and their shortcomings
Potentially relevant capabilities
- High-temperature superconducting magnets using REBCO superconducting material. A company called Nexans is developing a version of this.
References
Notes
Dongkeun Park worked on superconducting fault current limiters for his PhD thesis. He writes:
The major concerns for the resistive type HTS FCLs to be used for power grids are high voltage, especially HV in a cryogenic structure (medium voltage like <22.9 kV would be much easier) and its required recovery time. Also, it requires a close collaboration with FCL users who can provide a detailed design required specification, and can provide a fault testing facility.