Abstract: A current control device which may act as a current limiter and/or a VAR generator through the use of a superconducting inductor is taught. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a full wave bridge rectifier network is serially inserted in one leg of a high voltage transmission system. The output of the full wave bridge network has connected between it a superconducting coil in series with a bias supply. The biasing supply circulates current in the inductor. Should the line current exceed the value of the current circulating in the inductor, the inductor impedes the increase of current giving sufficient time for current interruption devices, should they be utilized, to operate. Additionally, the biasing supply may act as a VAR generator by controlling the current in the superconductor or in the power supply feeding it.

Abstract: A gas-insulated circuit interrupter includes stationary and movable contact assemblies which are cooperable with each other to transmit or interrupt electrical current. Means are provided for moving the movable contact assembly, and for establishing a flow in the circuit interrupter during an opening interruption to estinguish the arc which is drawn between the stationary and movable arcing contacts. A hollow insulating nozzle is utilized for directing gas flow. The interior surface of the nozzle is shaped so as to direct a flow of insulating gas to blast into the arc, and the exterior surface of the nozzle is contoured such as to deflect the flow of insulating gas away from the movable main contacts.