Superconductor Protective Circuits Patents (Class 361/19)
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Patent number: 12112886Abstract: A quench protection arrangement for a superconducting magnet is disclosed. The arrangement comprises: a superconducting magnet comprising a plurality of magnet sections; a plurality of varistors, wherein each of the plurality of varistors is electrically connected in parallel across a respective one of the plurality of magnet sections; and a heater arrangement electrically connected to the plurality of varistors and configured to apply heat to each of the plurality of magnet sections in response to a change in a voltage across any one or more of the plurality of varistors. A method of protecting a superconducting magnet is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: OXFORD INSTRUMENTS NANOTECHNOLOGY TOOLS LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Varney, Andy Twin, Dave Warren, Roman Viznichenko
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Patent number: 12081141Abstract: An MMC-type power conversion device includes a failure detection unit that detects presence or absence of failure of each of n upper arm current detectors and n lower arm current detectors. The failure detection unit makes a first determination based on comparison between a sum of detection values of n upper arm current detectors and the sum of detection values of n lower arm current detectors, a second determination based on comparison between a current command value and the sum of detection values of n upper arm current detectors, a third determination based on comparison between a current command value and the sum of detection values of n lower arm current detectors, and a fourth determination of comparing, for each phase, the sum of detection values of the current detectors of an upper arm and a lower arm of the same phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Imada
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Patent number: 11972320Abstract: A quantum device includes a cryogenic chamber and a quantum computing module positioned within the cryogenic chamber. The quantum computing module includes a silicon substrate and a quantum circuit (QC) die including a qubit integrated circuit. The QC die is attached to the silicon substrate. An electronic circuit (EC) die including an electronic integrated circuit is attached to the QC die such that the qubit integrated circuit and the electronic integrated circuit face each other. The QC die can be fusion bonded to the EC die. A circuit board (CB) includes a power converter configured to convert input power received from a cryogenic chamber feedthrough to output power that is coupled to the QC die and to the EC die.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Psiquantum, Corp.Inventor: Albert Wang
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Patent number: 11855438Abstract: A multi-circuit DC breaking system is proposed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present technique, there may be an advantage that by combining current-limiting technology and multi-circuit breaking technology, a failure may be quickly detected, a magnitude of a fault current may be firstly limited, and a breaking operation is performed, in a range of various fault currents, by distributing the fault currents to some circuits of multi-circuits configured in parallel, thereby easily increasing the capacity thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: GREEN ENERGY INSTITUTEInventors: Hyenjun Choi, Jihoon Park, Hyewon Choi, Insung Jeong
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Patent number: 11793090Abstract: An electronic component having an asymmetric impedance is provided. The component includes first, second and third branches that connect at a common node. The component includes a first portion of superconducting material disposed along the first branch and a second portion of superconducting material disposed along the second branch. The component includes a first device disposed along the first branch and configured to transition the second portion of the superconducting material to a non-superconducting state when a current between a first terminal of the first device and a second terminal of the first device exceeds a first threshold value and a second device disposed along the second branch and configured to transition the first portion of the superconducting material to a non-superconducting state when a current between a first terminal of the second device and a second terminal of the second device exceeds a second threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: PSIQUANTUM CORP.Inventor: Faraz Najafi
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Patent number: 11190010Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for calculating fault resistance and a current-limiting current of a superconducting fault current limiter.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignees: Guangdong Power Grid Co. Ltd., China Electric Power Research Institute of Guangdong Power Grid Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lianhong Zhong, Xinhui Duan, Meng Song, Chao Sheng, Bing Zhao, Li Li, Yunsong Luo, Yajun Xia, Wenfeng Cheng, Zhengjun Shi, Xiaoqing Xiao, Youxin Lin
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Patent number: 11171479Abstract: A superconducting magnet device including a superconducting coil formed of a high-temperature superconducting wire, a power supply which supplies current to the superconducting coil, and a protector capable of forming a short-circuit path which short-circuits both ends of the superconducting coil to each other is installed. Current is made to flow from the power supply to the superconducting coil in a superconducting state, and the superconducting coil thereby generates a magnetic field. After the magnetic field is generated, when an abnormality of the superconducting magnet device is detected, or when the power supply and the superconducting coil are disconnected from each other, the short-circuit path is formed by the protector.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignees: RIKEN, NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS SCIENCEInventors: Masato Takahashi, Hideaki Maeda, Kenjiro Hashi, Gen Nishijima, Shinji Matsumoto, Takashi Noguchi, Tadashi Shimizu
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Patent number: 11018501Abstract: A directional overcurrent relay using a superconducting fault current limiter voltage as a relay element includes: a current measuring circuit measuring a current of a line connected from a system power source to a load, a voltage measuring circuit measuring a voltage at both ends of a superconducting fault current limiter connected to the line, and a correcting circuit correcting a tripping time Ttrip by using a fault current If that is the current of the line and a superconducting fault current limiter voltage VSFCL that is the voltage at both ends of the superconducting fault current limiter and the tripping time Ttrip is maintained consistently regardless of whether the superconducting fault current limiter operates or not.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Foundation of Soongsil University-Industry CooperationInventors: Sung Hun Lim, Seung Taek Lim
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Patent number: 10971926Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and monitoring the lifetime of a superconducting fault current limiter. The apparatus may include a processor; and a memory unit coupled to the processor, including a lifetime routine, where the lifetime routine is operative on the processor to monitor the superconducting fault current limiter. The lifetime routine may include a lifetime estimation processor to receive a set of fault information for a fault event of a superconductor tape of the superconducting fault current limiter, determine a present state of the superconductor tape based upon the set of fault information, and determine an estimated lifetime of the superconductor tape based upon the present state. The present state may be determined from additional information such as fault history on the superconducting fault current limiter, as well as a database of superconductor tape behavior with respect to various faults.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Saeed Jazebi, John Evans
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Patent number: 10897235Abstract: A system includes a first superconducting wire and a second superconducting wire connected in parallel. The system includes a first current source coupled to the first superconducting wire and configured to supply a first current in response to a trigger event. The system includes a second current source coupled in series with the parallel combination of the first superconducting wire and the second superconducting wire and configured to supply a second current. The superconducting wires are configured to, while receiving the second current, operate in a superconducting state in the absence of the first current. The first superconducting wire is configured to, while receiving the second current, transition to a non-superconducting state in response to the first current. The second superconducting wire is configured to, while receiving the second current, transition to a non-superconducting state in response to the first superconducting wire transitioning to the non-superconducting state.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: PSIQUANTUM CORP.Inventors: Faraz Najafi, Syrus Ziai, Qiaodan Jin Stone
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Patent number: 10897129Abstract: Disclosed a quench protection device of a superconducting magnet system, including a superconducting coil set; the superconducting coil set comprises two superconducting coils (5) which are symmetrical arranged, and each of the two superconducting coils (5) is connected in parallel with a protection diode (4); the superconducting coils and the protection diode are connected with the power supply via a conductive wire; the superconducting coils set are connected in parallel with a quench protection unit (6), a change-over switch (3) is arranged on a circuit of the two superconducting coils, the protection diode, and the power supply, and the change-over switch (3) is connected with an external resistor via a conductive wire (2). The change-over switch of the quench protection device connects the superconducting coil and an external resistance, which realizes the quench protection of the superconducting coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: HEFEI CAS ION MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL DEVICES CO., LTDInventors: Yuntao Song, Chunlong Zou, Kaizhong Ding, Yanfang Bi, Xufeng Liu, Rui Hu, Zhengwen Xu, Hansheng Feng, Yonghua Chen, Gen Chen, Qingxi Yang, Junjun Li
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Patent number: 10468876Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a fault current limiter (FCL) providing symmetrical electrostatic shielding. In some embodiments, a FCL includes a superconductor maintained at a first voltage greater than zero voltage, and an enclosure containing the superconductor, the enclosure maintained at a second voltage greater than zero voltage, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. The FCL may include an electrical connection directly coupling the superconductor and the enclosure, wherein the electrical connection enables each of a plurality of current limiting modules of the superconductor to receive, during a fault condition, an equal or unequal sub-portion of a total voltage drop.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventors: Piotr Lubicki, Saeed Jazebi, David Morrell, George Emmanuel, Paul Murphy
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Patent number: 10418169Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inductance element that includes a base body, a saturable magnetic thin-plate core provided on the base body, and a coil conductor wound around the saturable magnetic thin-plate core. The saturable magnetic thin-plate core includes a first section linearly extending in a first direction and a second section having a meander-shaped, and the coil conductor is wound around the first section of the saturable magnetic thin-plate core.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiro Hamamura, Takashi Osada
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Patent number: 10396733Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for fabricating and operating superconducting circuitry. In one aspect, an electronic system includes: (1) a first circuit that includes a plurality of superconducting wires connected in parallel with one another, the plurality of superconducting wires including: (a) a first superconducting wire with a corresponding first threshold superconducting current; and (b) a second superconducting wire; (2) a second circuit connected in parallel to the first circuit; (3) a first current source coupled to the first superconducting wire and configured to selectively supply a first current; and (4) a second current source coupled to a combination of the first circuit and the second circuit and configured to supply a second current such that the plurality of superconducting wires operate in a superconducting state; where a combination of the first current and the second current exceeds the first threshold superconducting current.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: PSIQUANTUM CORP.Inventors: Faraz Najafi, Syrus Ziai, Qiaodan Jin Stone
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Patent number: 10373750Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus of generating momentum which drives an object. The present invention provides a momentum generating apparatus in which a pair of high temperature superconducting coils which are wound in different directions and have different superconducting properties are arranged in parallel and the same current flows in the pair of coils to be in a stable state where magnetic fields generated in the coils are cancelled and an asymmetric current is suddenly applied to the pair of coils through a switching operation to generate a magnetic field and an eddy current is induced in a plate due to the generated magnetic field and the plate is floated using a repulsive force between the magnetic field generated in the plate due to the eddy current and the magnetic field generated in the pair of coils, to instantaneously generate force using a small amount of superconducting coils.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITYInventors: Tae Kuk Ko, Ji Ho Lee, Woo Seung Lee, Hyung Jun Kim, Seok Ho Nam, Young Gun Park, Jin Sub Kim
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Patent number: 10270241Abstract: A fault current limiter may include a current limiting leg to transmit a first current and a control leg in parallel with the current limiting leg, the control leg to transmit a second current. The control leg may include a plurality of power electronic modules arranged in electrical series with one another, and a bypass power electronic module arranged in electrical series with the plurality of power electronic modules. The control leg may further include a plurality of current monitors arranged electrically in series with the plurality of power electronic modules and the bypass power electronic module, and at least one triggering circuit, wherein the plurality of current monitors is electrically coupled to the at least one triggering circuit, and wherein the at least one triggering circuit is coupled to at least one of: the plurality of power electronic modules, and the bypass power electronic module.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventor: Adrian Wilson
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Patent number: 10270356Abstract: A power converter includes an outer housing formed of dielectric material and including a low voltage compartment and a high voltage compartment is disclosed. The power converter also includes a low voltage DC-to-AC converter disposed in the low voltage compartment, a first coil in the low voltage compartment, a first conductive shield element lining an outer wall of the low voltage compartment, the first conductive shield element being electrically coupled to an electrical input of the DC-to-AC converter and a second conductive shield element lining an outer wall of the high voltage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Boris S. Jacobson, Evgeny N. Holmansky, Lev Volfson
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Patent number: 10218175Abstract: A system architecture and method for enabling hierarchical intelligent control with appropriate-speed communication and coordination of control using intelligent distributed impedance/voltage injection modules, local intelligence centers, other actuator devices and miscellaneous FACTS coupled actuator devices is disclosed. Information transfer to a supervisory utility control is enabled for responding to integral power system disturbances, system modelling and optimization. By extending the control and communication capability to the edge of the HV power grid, control of the distribution network through FACTS based Demand response units is also enabled.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Smart Wires Inc.Inventors: Haroon Inam, Frank Kreikebaum, Debrup Das, Amrit Iyer, Aaron Zhao
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Patent number: 10133242Abstract: A method for transmitting electrical energy is proposed in which between two electrical units electrical current is transmitted by means of a superconductive cable system (4). The two ends of the superconductive cable system (4) are each connected in a current conducting manner to one of the electrical units. A normally conductive cable system. (5) is arranged parallel to the superconductive cable system (4). The function of the superconductive cable system (4) is monitored by a control unit (10). During normal operation. only one end of the normally conductive cable system (5) is connected in a voltage conducting manner to one of the electrical units.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: NEXANSInventors: Mark Stemmle, Beate West
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Patent number: 9912148Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Kasegn D. Tekletsadik, Charles L. Stanley
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Patent number: 9647450Abstract: This specification relates to fault current limiter (FCL). More particularly, to solve problems of protecting and designing current limiting impedance in a protective coordination system, as limitations of the related art, the fault current limiter may measure heat capacity of a current limiting impedance unit by detecting fault current flowing to the current limiting impedance unit and limiting the fault current flowing to the current limiting impedance unit according to the measured heat capacity, which may result in preventing the current limiting impedance unit from being damaged due to the fault current, preventing an extended accident due to the damaged current limiting impedance unit and enabling a stabilized system and line protection.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung Hyun Bang, Won Joon Choe, Min Jee Kim, Kil Young Ahn
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Patent number: 9543754Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for protecting a superconducting coil, which method prevents damage to the superconducting coil caused by a quench or the like, in a new way, without using a voltage (a change in voltage) generated in the superconducting coil. Provided is the method for protecting a superconducting coil made by winding tape-like superconducting wire having a superconducting layer. Power from a power supply is shut off based on the magnitude of a screening field, which is a difference between a measured magnetic field B in a direction of a thickness of the superconducting wire at a predetermined position, and a magnetic field Bcal in the direction of the thickness of the superconducting wire calculated disregarding an effect of screening current.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignees: National Institute for Materials Science, Japan Superconductor Technology, Inc.Inventors: Davide Uglietti, Tsukasa Kiyoshi, Shinji Matsumoto, Mamoru Hamada
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Patent number: 9397546Abstract: A field rotor of a superconducting rotary machine, includes a rotary shaft, a plurality of coil boxes, and a plurality of superconducting coils. The coil boxes extend in a center axis direction of the rotary shaft, have walls defining spaces within the coil boxes, respectively, and are removably fastened to a peripheral surface of the rotary shaft. The superconducting coils are disposed in the spaces of the coil boxes, respectively, and constitute field windings of the superconducting rotary machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Katsuya Umemoto, Yoshichika Sato, Satoru Takao
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Patent number: 9331476Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Kasegn D. Tekletsadik, Charles L. Stanley, Semaan Fersan, Piotr Lubicki
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Patent number: 9230731Abstract: A three-phase current limiter (30) for an alternating current system includes an AC magnetic circuit having at least one AC coil (35R1, 35S1, 35T1) for each phase of a 3-phase AC supply wound on a saturable ferromagnetic core and configured to subject respective AC coils for each phase to a common magnetic flux, and a DC magnetic circuit (34a, 34b) for biasing the AC magnetic circuit into saturation at normal conditions. In use the AC coils are connected in series with a load and during alternate half cycles of the AC supply at least one of the AC coils produces a magnetic field that opposes a magnetic field of the DC magnetic circuit. The AC coils (35R, 35S, 35T) for each phase are configured so that at least one of the AC coils exhibits unbalanced magnetic impedance relative to remaining ones of the AC coils for each phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignees: BAR ILAN Research & Development Company, RICOR Cryogenic & Vacuum Systems Limited PartnershipInventors: Shuki Wolfus, Yossef Yeshurun, Alexander Friedman, Vladimir Rozenshtein, Zvi Bar-Haim
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Superconducting electromagnet device, cooling method therefor, and magnetic resonance imaging device
Patent number: 8988176Abstract: A superconducting magnet device is configured to include: a refrigerant circulation flowpath in which a refrigerant (R) circulates; a refrigerator for cooling vapor of the refrigerant (R) in the refrigerant circulation flowpath; a superconducting coil cooled by the circulating refrigerant (R); a protective resistor thermally contacting the superconducting coil and having an internal space (S); a high-boiling-point refrigerant supply section for supplying a high-boiling-point refrigerant having a higher boiling point than the refrigerant (R) and frozen by the refrigerant (R) to the internal space (S) in the protective resistor; and a vacuum insulating container for at least accommodating the refrigerant circulation flowpath, the superconducting coil, and the protective resistor.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Manabu Aoki, Ryuya Ando, Yukihiro Murata, Ryoji Nakagawa -
Publication number: 20150045231Abstract: There is described herein a superconducting segment and method of making same comprising one or several layers with very high electrical resistivity, acting as a current flow diverter when the current transfers from the superconductor to the stabilizer. The purpose of this current flow diverter is: i) to increase the contact resistance between the superconductor and the stabilizer, by reducing the contact area, and ii) to force the current to flow along a specific path, so as to increase momentarily the current density in a specific portion of the stabilizer. The consequence of i) and ii) is that heat generated at the extremities of the normal zone is increased and spread over a longer length along the superconducting segment, which increases the NZPV and thus, the uniformity of the quench.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Christian Lacroix, Frederic Sirois, Michael Robert Wertheimer
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Publication number: 20150031548Abstract: A superconducting element (1) has a metallic substrate (2), an insulating layer (3), a superconductor layer (5) and a metallic protective layer (6), wherein the insulating layer (3) is arranged between the substrate (2) and the superconductor layer (5). In cross-section of the superconducting element (1), the insulating layer (3) extends at both ends past the area (BSL) of the substrate (2) covered by the superconductor layer (5) to galvanically separate the superconductor layer (5) and the metallic protective layer (6) from the substrate (2). The thickness D of the insulating layer (3) is selected in such a fashion that the superconducting element (1) has a transverse breakdown voltage between the metallic substrate (2) and both the superconductor layer (5) as well as the metallic protective layer (6) of at least 25 V. The superconducting element has a reduced risk of being damaged in case of a quench.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: Alexander Usoskin
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Publication number: 20140357496Abstract: A superconducting device (1) has an elongated coated conductor (2), with a substrate (3) and a quenchable superconducting film (4), wherein the elongated coated conductor (2) has a width W, and an external shunt system (5), with bridge contacts (6; 6a, 6b), electrically connected to the superconducting film (4), and a resistive member (7), thermally insulated from the coated conductor (2) and electrically connected to the bridge contacts (6; 6a, 6b). The device is is characterized in that the bridge contacts (6; 6a, 6b) along the elongated coated conductor (2) have a spacing SP with SP?8*W. The device reduces the risk of a burnout of a superconducting device in case of a quench in its superconducting film.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventor: Alexander Usoskin
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Publication number: 20140357490Abstract: A fault current limiter system including a fault current limiter and a variable shunt current splitting device. The current splitting device includes first and second conductive windings, wherein the first conductive winding is connected in parallel with the fault current limiter and is configured to carry current in a first direction. The second conductive winding is electrically connected in series with the fault current limiter and is configured to carry current in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the reactance of the first winding is negated by the reactance of the second winding during steady state operation of the fault current limiter system. Thus, a first portion of a steady state current is conveyed through the fault current limiter and a second portion of the current is conveyed through the current splitting device. The steady state current load on the fault current limiter is thereby reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventor: Kasegn D. Takletsadik
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Patent number: 8891209Abstract: A high voltage direct current (HVDC) hybrid circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker includes a solid-state main breaker, a mechanical fast disconnector and a solid-state auxiliary breaker connected in series, the series-connection of the disconnector and the auxiliary breaker being connected in parallel to the main breaker, a snubber circuit including a capacitor, and a switching device being arranged for disconnecting the snubber capacitor in response to the auxiliary breaker being opened. By disconnecting the snubber capacitor, an uncontrolled discharging of the capacitor through the disconnector and the main breaker, and the resulting non-zero current flowing through the disconnector during the breaking action, may be avoided. Further, a method of an HVDC hybrid circuit breaker is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Jürgen Häfner, Arman Hassanpoor
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Patent number: 8886267Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: American Superconductor CorporationInventors: Douglas C. Folts, James Maguire, Jie Yuan, Alexis P. Malozemoff
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Patent number: 8880134Abstract: This invention relates to a superconductor device, comprising: a superconductor; a former which supports the superconductor; and, an intermediate electrical connector attached to the former for coupling the superconductor to a power source, wherein the intermediate electrical connector is connected to the superconductor via a deformable portion in the intermediate electrical connector, wherein the deformable portion allows relative movement between the superconductor and former.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Stephen M. Husband, Alexander C. Smith, Nigel Schofield, Andrew Oliver
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Patent number: 8873205Abstract: This invention relates to a current limiter comprising a first circuit portion arranged in parallel with a second circuit portion, the first circuit portion comprising a superconductor element arranged in series with a switching arrangement, the second circuit portion comprising a load element, the superconductor element being disposed within a cooling chamber, and the cooling chamber and the switch being disposed within a vacuum chamber, wherein the switching arrangement comprises: a mechanical actuator which is operable between a closed condition in which current is conducted through the first circuit portion and an open condition in which current is diverted from the first circuit portion through the second circuit portion and a controller for monitoring and operating the switch.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Stephen Mark Husband, Alexander Charles Smith, Roger Shuttleworth, Xiaoze Pei
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Patent number: 8862193Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventor: Kasegn D. Tekletsadik
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Patent number: 8848323Abstract: A superconducting fault current limiter comprises a superconducting element having a plurality of superconducting portions and at least one connector. Each superconducting portion has end regions and each connector is connected to the end regions of adjacent superconducting portions to electrically and thermally connect adjacent superconducting portions of the superconducting fault current limiter together. Each connector provides a local reduction in the critical current and quench current of the end regions of the superconducting portions in contact with the at least one connector. This provides a phased transition of the superconducting fault current limiter in relation to the severity of a fault current.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Stephen M. Husband, Alexander C. Smith
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Patent number: 8817430Abstract: An AC voltage controller has two transistors which can be positioned between two AC voltage terminals in series with a load. The two transistors are connected in series in such a way that their respective source terminals are connected to one another. The AC voltage controller also contains a signal generator for generating a switching signal for actuating the two transistors, a buffer which is connected downstream of the signal generator and which is set by the signal generator in order to actuate the two transistors. An actuation circuit or driver circuit is connected downstream of the buffer, for the purpose of actuating the two transistors in accordance with the set state of the buffer. A current-limiting circuit is provided for limiting or switching off the current through the two transistors in the case of an excessively large current through the load.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Simon, Andreas Landerer, Werner Kaps
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Publication number: 20140235451Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for protecting a superconducting coil, which method prevents damage to the superconducting coil caused by a quench or the like, in a new way, without using a voltage (a change in voltage) generated in the superconducting coil. Provided is the method for protecting a superconducting coil made by winding tape-like superconducting wire having a superconducting layer. Power from a power supply is shut off based on the magnitude of a screening field, which is a difference between a measured magnetic field B in a direction of a thickness of the superconducting wire at a predetermined position, and a magnetic field Bcal in the direction of the thickness of the superconducting wire calculated disregarding an effect of screening current.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicants: Japan Superconductor Technology, Inc., National Institute for Materials ScienceInventors: Davide Uglietti, Tsukasa Kiyoshi, Shinji Matsumoto, Mamoru Hamada
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Patent number: 8810978Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL) for suppressing a bus voltage drop in an electric power system. A primary winding, a secondary winding, and a tertiary winding are wound around an identical iron core, and a superconductor is connected to any one of the primary winding and the secondary winding. A first switch is connected to any one of the primary winding and the secondary winding and is configured to be opened so as to separate a faulty section when a fault current is generated and to be shorted when the fault current is eliminated. A second switch is connected in series to the tertiary winding and is configured to be shorted so as to stably supply power when the fault current is generated and to be opened when the fault current is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Foundation of Soongsil University-Industry CooperationInventors: Sung-Hun Lim, Jae-Chul Kim, Il-Kyoung You, Jin-Seok Kim, Myoung-Hoo Kim
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Patent number: 8804288Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Kasegn D. Tekletsadik, Roger B. Fish, Paul J. Murphy
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Patent number: 8780510Abstract: A superconducting magnet apparatus that in one embodiment includes at least one superconducting coil and a passive quench protection circuit electrically coupled to the coil in parallel. The circuit includes a heater and a current limiter connected in series. The heater is thermally coupled to the coil and the current limiter blocks current through the circuit at a current lower than the current rating of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xianrui Huang, Anbo Wu, Yan Zhao, Chao Yang
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Publication number: 20140185165Abstract: A superconducting magnet apparatus is provided. The superconducting magnet apparatus includes a power source configured to generate a current; a first switch coupled in parallel to the power source; a second switch coupled in series to the power source; a coil coupled in parallel to the first switch and the second switch; and a passive quench protection device coupled to the coil and configured to by-pass the current around the coil and to decouple the coil from the power source when the coil experiences a quench.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Renuka Rajput-Ghoshal, James Humphrie Rochford, Probir Kumar Ghoshal
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Patent number: 8767358Abstract: An apparatus 2 comprising a cryogenic chamber 4 and a galvanic input interface 6 to the cryogenic chamber 4 configured to receive a lower amplitude electric current 8. A converter 10 is located within the cryogenic chamber 4 and configured to convert the lower amplitude electric current 8, provided by the galvanic input interface 6, to a higher amplitude electric current 12 for supply to a load 14 within the cryogenic chamber 4. A controller 16 is configured to control the converter 10 and to detect the onset of quench by comparing the duration of the charge/discharge cycle of the convertor with a stored value. The controller 16 may also compare an instantaneous value of load current with a stored value of load current.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Andrew John Forsyth, Chunjiang Jia, Ding Wu
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Patent number: 8739396Abstract: Several embodiments of a novel technique for limiting transmission of fault current are disclosed. Current power distribution systems typically have an impedance, or reactor, on the output of the network equipment to limit current in the case of a fault condition. A low resistance switch, which changes its resistance in the presence of high current, is connected in parallel with this reactor. Thus, in normal operation, the current from the power generator bypasses the reactor, thereby minimizing power loss. However, in the presence of a fault, the resistance of the switch increases, forcing the current to pass through the reactor, thereby limiting the fault current.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventor: Paul J. Murphy
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Patent number: 8705215Abstract: A fault current limiter including: a ferromagnetic circuit formed from a ferromagnetic material and including at least a first limb, and a second limb; a saturation mechanism surrounding a limb for magnetically saturating the ferromagnetic material; a phase coil wound around a second limb; a dielectric fluid surrounding the phase coil; a gaseous atmosphere surrounding the saturation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Applied Superconductor Pty LtdInventor: Francis Anthony Darmann
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Patent number: 8693147Abstract: An electrical component having a core and a first and second coil positioned around the core is controlled in such a manner, that in response to the second coil being switched off, the first coil is short-circuited via a quenching circuit to quench the inductive load of the second coil.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Harald Schueler, Sven Hartmann, Stefan Tumback
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Patent number: 8693146Abstract: A quench detection system for a fault current limiter (1), in particular, a high temperature superconductor fault current limiter, making use of a differential protection relay wherein in fault event the differential protection relay operates a triggering mechanism of a circuit breaker (2), thereby opening the electrical circuit and interrupting power supply to downstream components, and a method for quench detection wherein the magnitude of voltage drop during quench is converted to a current signal being proportional to the voltage and which is monitored by the differential protection relay.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: NexansInventor: Robert Dommerque
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Patent number: 8654486Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Amato, Paul J. Murphy, James D. Strassner
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Patent number: 8611056Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Amato, Paul J. Murphy, James D. Strassner
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Patent number: 8600463Abstract: A conductor arrangement for a resistive switching element, has at least first and second conductor connections disposed in a mutual plane adjacent to each other and insulated against each other. The composite conductors each have two conductor parts extending parallel, and forming a bifilar construction. The conductor parts are constructed from at least one superconducting conductor band. The composite conductors are formed into a coil winding, wherein the windings thereof substantially extend in the manner of a spiral, and are insulated against each other by a spacer.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Peter Krämer