FastGrid - Advanced superconducting tapes for HVDC grids

As the video shows, fault current limiters aid circuit breakers in clearing faults by instantaneously reducing the current to a breakable level thanks to the superconductors they contain. These superconductors are brilliant. They have a very high level of resistance when the current is excessive and no resistance at all when the current is at a normal level (rated level). This technology is especially useful for Direct Current networks; it is a passive system that provides maximal network security for DC networks without the use of ultra-fast circuit breakers.

FastGrid aims to develop superconducting materials suitable for use in HVDC applications by producing a 10-20kV SuperConducting Fault Current Limiter (SCFCL) prototype (made from 60 – 120m of coiled superconductor tape). SuperGrid Institute is a key player in this project, participating in designing the prototype and testing it.

Superconductors only demonstrate their properties at very low temperatures (around – 200°C). A cryostat platform that was co-funded by the FastGrid project was installed at SuperGrid Institute to test these innovative superconductors. SuperGrid Institute has designed the final tests on the prototype which will be performed soon in collaboration with project’s Italian partner, RSE.

This Project has received funding from the European Union‘s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No 721019.