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The thesis begins with an introduction to transformer theory. The partial core transformer is then introduced and compared with a full core design. A brief introduction to superconductors and high temperature superconductors is then presented. High temperature superconducting fault current limiters are then examined and the advantage of a high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter as a single unit is highlighted. The reverse design model is discussed followed by the model parameters that are used in designing the high temperature superconducting partial core transformer. Partial core transformers with copper windings and high temperature superconductor windings at the University of Canterbury were then tested and the measured results compared with the results calculated from the reverse design model, to validate the model. The high temperature superconducting partial core transformer failed during an endurance run and the investigation of the failure is then presented. The results of the failure investigation prompted an alternative winding insulation design. A model to calculate the time at which the high temperature superconducting winding of the partial core transformer would melt at different currents was then built. The time was calculated to be used in the operation of the quench detection mechanism and it could also be used in choosing a circuit breaker with a known operating time. The design of the high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter is then presented. Design configurations with different core length and winding length are examined. The idea behind choosing the final design for the high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter is then discussed. The final design of the high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter is then presented. A new 7.5 kVA, 230-248 V high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter was designed, built and tested. The windings are layer wound with first generation Bi2223 high temperature superconductor. A series of electrical tests were performed on the new device including open circuit, short circuit, resistive load, overload and fault ride through. These tests were performed to determine the operational characteristics of the new high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter. The measured results from the tests were compared with the calculated results. The fault ride through test results were then compared to a 15 kVA high temperature superconducting partial core transformer that was designed and built at the University of Canterbury. Since the resistive component of the silver matrix in Bi2223 high temperature superconductor plays a very little role in controlling the fault current, the current limited by the leakage reactance is compared between the two devices. The high temperature superconducting partial core transformer and fault current limiter was found to be 99.1% efficient at rated power with 5.7% regulation and fault current limiting ability of 500 % over the 15 kVA high temperature superconductor partial core transformer from University of Canterbury.

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Superconductivity Centennial Conference 2011- EUCAS–ISEC–ICMC (18-23 Sep 2011, The Hague, The Netherlands)

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In today’s technological world, electrical energy is one of the most important forms of energy and is needed directly or indirectly in almost every field. Increase in the demand and consumption of electrical energy leads to increase in the system fault levels. It is not possible to change the rating of the equipment and devices in the system or circuits to accommodate the increasing fault currents. The devices in electronic and electrical circuits are sensitive to disturbance and any disturbance or fault may damage the device permanently so that it must be replaced. The cost of equipment like circuit breakers and transformers in power grids is very expensive. Moreover, replacing damaged equipment is a time and labour consuming process, which also affects the reliability of power systems. It is not possible to completely eliminate the faults but it is possible to limit the current during fault in order to save the equipment and devices in the circuits or systems. One solution to this problem is to use a current limiting device in the system. There are many different types of approaches used for limiting fault currents Two different approaches to limit fault currents have been discussed by the author. One is Passive Magnetic Current Limiter (MCL) and another is High Temperature Superconductor Fault Current Limiter (HTSFCL). Both are passive devices and they do not need any sensor or external sources to perform their current limiting action. The first device consists of two ferrite cores and a permanent magnet which is sandwiched between the two saturated cores and it is called Magnetic Current Limiter. Experimental results with the MCL in circuit are discussed. Both field and thermal models of the MCL have been simulated using finite element software, FEMLAB. The demonstration of the High Temperature Superconductor Fault Current Limiter (HTSFCL) in power systems has been explained. The MATLAB simulation of the HTSFCL has been done and the results with and without the fault are shown. Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) software has been used to locate the optimum or the best location of HTSFCL in a nine bus system. It has been shown that it is possible to find a solution that limits the fault current in power systems. Depending on the size of the system, either the MCL or the HTSFCL can be implemented. The location of the HTSFCL is to be carefully selected to achieve optimum results.

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No description available.