Abstract: A defining aperture plate having at least two differently sized apertures is used in conjunction with at least two charge collectors. Because of the difference in aperture width, the two charge collectors receive different amounts of ions, where the amount is proportional to the associated aperture width. By monitoring the ratio of the charge collected by the first charge collector to the charge collected by the second collector, the amount of erosion can be monitored and optionally compensated for.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A defining aperture plate having at least two differently sized apertures is used in conjunction with at least two charge collectors. Because of the difference in aperture width, the two charge collectors receive different amounts of ions, where the amount is proportional to the associated aperture width. By monitoring the ratio of the charge collected by the first charge collector to the charge collected by the second collector, the amount of erosion can be monitored and optionally compensated for.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A SCFCL system includes a first SCFCL, a second SCFCL, and a controller configured to control at least one switch to couple the first SCFCL to a power line between an AC source and a load, and to electrically isolate the second SCFCL from the power line during a first operating mode when the first SCFCL is in service and the second SCFCL serves as a spare. During the first operating mode, the second SCFCL, may be maintained in a latent standby state or an immediate standby state. The second SCFCL may be automatically switched into service to provide for fault current protection in case the first SCFCL needs to be taken out of service for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

Abstract: A superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) includes a cryogenic tank defining an interior volume, a superconductor disposed in the interior volume, and a refrigeration system configured to adjust a temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL. A method of operating a SCFCL includes cooling a superconductor disposed within an interior volume of a cryogenic tank to a temperature less than a critical temperature of the superconductor, and adjusting the temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) includes a cryogenic tank defining an interior volume, a superconductor disposed in the interior volume, and a refrigeration system configured to adjust a temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL. A method of operating a SCFCL includes cooling a superconductor disposed within an interior volume of a cryogenic tank to a temperature less than a critical temperature of the superconductor, and adjusting the temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL.

Abstract: A SCFCL system includes a first SCFCL, a second SCFCL, and a controller configured to control at least one switch to couple the first SCFCL to a power line between an AC source and a load, and to electrically isolate the second SCFCL from the power line during a first operating mode when the first SCFCL is in service and the second SCFCL serves as a spare. During the first operating mode, the second SCFCL, may be maintained in a latent standby state or an immediate standby state. The second SCFCL may be automatically switched into service to provide for fault current protection in case the first SCFCL needs to be taken out of service for maintenance, repair, or replacement.