Patent ID: 6236545
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: H02H,Y02E

Abstract:
A current limiting device, comprising:a first superconducting element for connection in an electrical circuit to carry electrical current, said superconducting element having a critical current density;means for detecting the onset of a fault condition; andmeans responsive to said detection means for varying the relationship between the critical current density and the current carried by said first superconducting element so that said first superconducting element transforms from a superconducting state into a resistive state,wherein said varying means includes a second superconducting element in series with said first superconducting element, said second superconducting element having a critical current density less than the critical current density of said first superconducting element, and a coil and series connected capacitor combination positioned electrically in parallel across said second superconducting element, said coil surrounding at least a portion of said first and second superconducting elements.