Current Limiting and Interrupting Operations of Flux-Lock Type SFCLI Using Mechanical Switch

In this paper, the current limiting and the interrupting operations of the flux-lock type superconducting fault current limiting interrupter (SFCLI) using the mechanical switch (MS), which could be driven without additional driving power source, were analyzed. The operational principle of the suggested SFCLI is the same as one, except that the MS performs the fault current interrupting operation, driven by the electromagnetic repulsion force generated within the driving coil without the additional driving power source. Furthermore, the interrupting operation of the MS directly, after the current limiting operation of this SFCLI, can contribute to the improvement of the previous SFCL's performance. To verify the operational characteristics of the suggested SFCLI, the MS with the fixed plate (FP) and the moving plate (MP), which were located just above open round bobbin wound by the driving coil, was designed and manufactured. The short-circuit tests of the SFCLI using MS were carried out. Through the analysis on the results of the short-circuit tests, the current limiting and interrupting operations of the flux-lock type SFCLI using the MS could be confirmed to be effectively performed without the additional driving power source.