Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100296208 | Technique for Limiting Transmission of Fault Current - A new type of superconducting fault current limiter is disclosed, which can advantageously be used with high voltage transmission networks. The circuit is electrically connected to two terminals, which connect to the transmission network. The superconducting circuit is located within an enclosure or tank, which is electrically isolated from ground. Therefore, the voltage difference between the enclosure and the superconducting circuit, and between the enclosure and the terminals are significantly less than exist in current deployments. In some embodiments, the enclosure is electrically connected to one of the terminals, while in other embodiments, the enclosure is electrically isolated from the terminals. The circuit can be combined with other like circuits to address a wide range of current transmission network configurations. | 11-25-2010 |
20110094798 | INTERFACING TWO INSULATION PARTS IN HIGH VOLTAGE ENVIRONMENT - Methods of interfacing parts in a high voltage environment and related structures are disclosed. A method comprises: providing a first part and a second part; and interfacing the first part and the second part to create a first substantially zero electrical field area at a first outer extent of an interface between the first and second parts and a reduced electrical field area in a different portion of the interface. | 04-28-2011 |
20110094862 | TECHNIQUES FOR MAKING HIGH VOLTAGE CONNECTIONS - Techniques for making high voltage connections are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an electrical switch. The electrical switch may comprise a component extending from a first electrical contact to a second electrical contact. The component may also comprise a non-conductive section and a conductive section. In a first mode of operation, at least a portion of the non-conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to insulate the two electrical contacts. In a second mode of operation, the conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to connect the two electrical contacts. | 04-28-2011 |
20110312498 | FAULT CURRENT LIMITER - A fault current limiter that maximizes transient stability by minimizing the power swing experienced by the generator during a fault condition is disclosed. A superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) is used, whereby the impedance of the SCFCL changes in the presence of a fault. In parallel with the SCFCL is a shunt impedance, which is the impedance seen by the generator during the fault. By decreasing the ratio of the reactance of the shunt impedance to its resistance, the stability of the power system may be enhanced. | 12-22-2011 |
20120275067 | SUPERCONDUCTING FAULT CURRENT LIMITER - A connector assembly of a superconducting fault current limiter includes a first superconducting tape element, an electrical connector electrically coupled to the first superconducting element at a first region of the electrical conductor, and a second superconducting tape element electrically coupled to the electrical connector in a second region of the electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises a unitary structure. The first superconducting tape element, the electrical connector, and the second superconducting tape element comprise may comprise a layer. | 11-01-2012 |
20130130913 | Techniques for Protecting a superconducting (SC) Tape - Techniques for protecting a superconducting (SC) article are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as an apparatus for protecting a superconducting (SC) article. The apparatus may comprise a porous sleeve configured to fit around the superconducting (SC) article. The porous sleeve may be made of non-conductive, dielectric material. | 05-23-2013 |
20130201588 | TECHNIQUE FOR LIMITING TRANSMISSION OF FAULT CURRENT - New techniques for limiting transmission of fault current are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized with a new type of apparatus for limiting transmission of fault current. The apparatus may comprise: a first enclosure electrically decoupled from ground, such that the first enclosure is electrically isolated from ground potential; first and second terminals, at least one of which is electrically connected to first one or more current carrying lines; and a first superconducting circuit contained in the first enclosure, the first superconducting circuit electrically connected to the first and second terminals, wherein the first enclosure is maintained at same electrical potential as the first one or more current carrying lines. | 08-08-2013 |
20130221979 | TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING RELIABILITY OF A FAULT CURRENT LIMITING SYSTEM - Techniques for improving reliability of a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL) are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method of improving a reliability of a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL), the SCFCL system comprising a superconductor provided in a container. The method may comprise providing one or more sensors capable of detecting a fault current proximate to the superconductor; determining a change in the condition of the superconductor as a result of the fault current; and estimating the lifetime of the superconductor based on the change in the condition of the superconductor. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225414 | TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING RELIABILITY OF A FAULT CURRENT LIMITING SYSTEM - Techniques for improving reliability of a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL) are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized with a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL) comprising: an input current lead and an output current lead, each current lead coupled to a power distribution/transmission network; a container; a superconductor contained in the container; a shunt disposed outside the container and in parallel with the superconductor; a cryogenic system configured to provide coolant into the container; and at least one sensor disposed near and configured to monitor at least one operating condition of at least one of the input current lead and the output current lead, the superconductor, and the shunt. | 08-29-2013 |
20140262492 | HIGH VOLTAGE BUSING FOR CRYOGENICS APPLICATIONS - An electrical bushing is disclosed for use in high voltage cryogenic applications. The bushing including first and second bushing portions and an electrical conductor disposed longitudinally within the portions. The electrical conductor has a first terminal extending from the first bushing portion and a second terminal extending from the second bushing portion. The first terminal is configured to couple to a first electrical element at ambient temperature, and the second terminal is configured to couple to a second electrical element at cryogenic temperature. The first and second bushing portions comprise a base insulator material, while the first bushing portion further comprises an environmental protection layer disposed over the base insulator portion. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268453 | SUPERCONDUCTING FAULT CURRENT LIMITER SYSTEM - A current limiter system includes a superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) operative to conduct load current during a normal operation state in which the SCFCL is in a superconducting state. The current limiter system also includes a shunt reactor connected in an electrically parallel fashion to the SCFCL and configured to conduct less current than the SCFL in the normal operation state, and a protection switch connected in electrical series with the SCFCL and shunt reactor and configured to disconnect the SCFCL for a predetermined time from a load current path during a fault condition after fault current exceeds a threshold current value. | 09-18-2014 |
20150055260 | Fast Switch Fault Current Limiter - A fault current limiter circuit including a fast switch fault current limiter (FSFCL) and a voltage control reactor (VCR) operative to conduct load current during a steady state operation and limit load current when the load current exceeds fault current limits. The FSFCL may include a breaker having electrical contacts, a coil electrically coupled to the electrical breaker contacts, a plunger mechanically coupled to the electrical breaker contacts, a parallel voltage control (VCR), a transient overvoltage control circuit (TOCC), wherein when current greater than a threshold level flows through the coil, a magnetic field having strength to move the plunger is generated, the movement of the plunger operates to open the contacts in the breaker and transfer fault current to VCR and TOCC and limit the overall system fault current. | 02-26-2015 |
20150055263 | SOLID STATE FAULT CURRENT LIMITER - A solid-state fault current limiter including a current splitting reactor, comprising a system current input, a passive current output and a control current output. A voltage control reactor includes a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the control current output and the second end coupled to the passive current output. A fault current trigger circuit coupled in parallel with the voltage control reactor and configured to open when a fault current, received by the system current input, exceeds a predefined trigger current. A transient voltage control circuit coupled in parallel with the voltage control reactor to receive the fault current. | 02-26-2015 |
20150065351 | HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTOR TAPE WITH ALLOY METAL COATING - In one embodiment a superconductor tape includes a substrate comprising a plurality of layers, an oriented superconductor layer disposed on the substrate, and an alloy coating disposed upon the superconductor layer, the alloy coating comprising one or more metallic layers in which at least one metallic layer comprises a metal alloy. | 03-05-2015 |