Abstract: A cryogenically-cooled HTS cable is configured to be included within a utility power grid having a maximum fault current that would occur in the absence of the cryogenically-cooled HTS cable. The cryogenically-cooled HTS cable includes a continuous liquid cryogen coolant path for circulating a liquid cryogen. A continuously flexible arrangement of HTS wires has an impedance characteristic that attenuates the maximum fault current by at least 10%. The continuously flexible arrangement of HTS wires is configured to allow the cryogenically-cooled HTS cable to operate, during the occurrence of a maximum fault condition, with a maximum temperature rise within the HTS wires that is low enough to prevent the formation of gas bubbles within the liquid cryogen.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device including a first coil made of superconducting material, a cooling mechanism for cooling the first coil to superconducting temperatures, a second coil inductively coupled to the first coil for inputting emergy to, and/or outputting energy from, the first coil, and a switch for switching the first coil between a superconducting condition and a non-superconducting condition. The first coil is arranged as a closed loop electric circuit having no connecting device mechanically connected to it for inputting or outputting energy. The switch includes a third coil for the application or removal of a magnetic field for switching the first coil between its non-superconducting and superconducting conditions. A method inputs energy to and/or outputs energy from the first coil and a power supply system utilizes the device and method.

Abstract: A un-interruptible power supply (UPS) apparatus for a diffusion furnace used in semiconductor device fabrication. The diffusion furnace consists of a power electronic subsystem coupled to a three-phase utility power source via two series-connected normally-open main circuit breaker switches, an automatic control unit, and a direct-current power supply. The automatic control unit controls the operation of the diffusion furnace. The UPS apparatus includes a UPS unit having a power input connected to a node between the two series-connected normally-open main circuit breaker switches. A first normally-open circuit breaker has a switch connected between the output of the UPS unit and the power input of the automatic control unit. A second normally-open circuit breaker has a switch connected between a first phase power line of the three-phase utility power source and the input of the direct-current power supply. A third normally-closed circuit breaker has a switch connected to the output of the UPS unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging superconducting magnet coils using the Seebeck effect of thermoelectric materials. Superconducting magnet coils are wound from a superconducting material, such as niobium-titanium, and placed in a cryogenic dewar to cool the coil below the critical temperature at which the coil becomes superconducting. The coil can be charged by providing a suitable thermocouple junction outside the dewar and a reference thermocouple junction inside the dewar and connecting the junctions to the coil in a manner providing charging current flow to the coil in accordance with the Seebeck effect. This method is particularly desirable for use with lightweight magnet systems for use in such applications as magnetic levitation systems for trains, space applications, etc. where the present heavy switching power supplies are undesirable.

Abstract: A superconductive voltage stabilizer employs an improved current switch. The improved current switch controls the release of current stored in an energy storage device or superconducting inductive energy storage coil for selective delivery of the current to a load or an electric utility system. A transformer employed in the current switch provides isolation of the energy storage components from the load, thereby making a local ground possible. The amount of energy which can be recovered from the energy storage device is also increased.

Abstract: A device for inductive current limiting of an alternating current consisting of an induction coil (2), which includes at least one winding and through which current flows, a body (3) made of a ceramic high-temperature superconductor arranged concentrically to the latter and having a centrosymmetrical form which is hollow in the interior, and having located in the interior of said body (3) a concentrically arranged core (4) made of a soft magnetic material of high permeability. In normal operation (rated current), the superconductivity of the body (3) is effective and impedance of the induction coil (2) is very low. With overcurrent (mains short-circuit) the superconductivity disappears and the impedance of the induction coil (2) reaches its maximum, current-limiting value.

Abstract: High-critical-temperature superconducting materials produce a magnetic field which acts as an electric field insulation, and as a substitute for dielectrics, so as to store high electrical voltage and high electrical energy, thereby eliminating the need of insulating dielectrics capacitors so as to make the energy source light and compact, and very suitable for storage of electrical energy, as a one-stage electron accelerator and/or for pulsed power applications.

Abstract: A superconductive voltage stabilizer comprises an AC/DC converter, a voltage regulator, an energy storage cell and a superconducting energy storage coil. Alternating current is converted to direct current and stored in a superconducting coil. The stored direct current is selectively delivered to an energy storage cell to satisfy the energy requirements of a load. A voltage regulator senses the energy drawn from the energy storage cell and when appropriate releases stored energy from the superconducting coil to maintain a constant supply of energy to the load.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing electrical energy in a superconducting coil. The secondary phenomenon of magnetic induction which limits the size of existing superconducting energy storage coils is overcome by utilizing two superconductor material coils coupled by mutual induction through a high permeability magnetic material. This eliminates induction in the superconductor material thus eliminating the difficulty of the destruction of superconducting capability because of secondary induction. This construction permits high current storage capability in a small volume.

Abstract: A CMOS circuit including a variable conductor means interposed between a power supply and the CMOS circuit. The CMOS circuit comprises a P channel MOS FET and an N channel MOS FET laterally formed on the surface of a semiconductor substrate, inherently producing a parasitic thyristor which can be latched-up with destructive consequences under certain circumstances. The variable conductor means, interposed between the power supply and CMOS circuit, preferably includes a superconductor arranged to sharply switch to a normal conductor mode when the current level exceeds a critical current level, established to be less than the latch-up holding current of the parasitic thyristor, thereby to prevent latch-up.