Superconducting material limits short-circuit currents
Thursday, February 19, 2015 - 07:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Siemens develops superconducting fault current limiters for limiting short-circuit currents in the grid. Superconductors show zero resistance below the critical temperature and below the critical current. They are thus more energy efficient than conventional series reactors. Despite the fact that superconducting components require cooling, the technology can help to reduce the power losses by half compared to the losses caused by currently usedseries reactors. Siemens will test the new superconducting fault current limiter in cooperation with the Augsburg municipal utility company and install a prototype in the grid by the end of 2015.