New Delhi, Nov 29, : , An Indian researcher has created a prototype of a smart-system that can protect power grids against short-circuits.It does this by either automatically diverting current into a parallel switch or by limiting current surges by creating high resistance in the current path. Satyajit Banerjee, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), has developed an innovative prototype of a Smart Superconducting Fault Current Limiter, (SCFLsm) that has a circuit in which a superconducting element is equipped with an array of hall sensors.
Short-circuits are common in power distribution networks, such as power grids.
These surges can cause severe damage to the grids because they are not designed for the surge current.This can lead to major economic losses and disruptions in the electricity supply.
A new technology for limiting fault currents has been developed in recent years.It uses superconductors.
These superconducting fault limiters are known as SCFL.This technology is based upon the property that superconductors offer zero resistance to currents above a threshold current value, which is the critical current.
The resistance of the superconductor increases at currents above the critical current.
“The SCFL’s operating principle states that if the fault current exceeds that of the superconductor, it will become high.This reduces the fault voltage.When the fault current drops below the threshold critical, the normal zero resistance mode of operation returns.
The SCFL is extremely energy-efficient in its operation.Superconducting fault current limits (SCFL) are being used by west-based companies.They are however expensive with the approximate cost of each superconducting flaw current limiter being around Rs 8 crore,” a statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology stated.
The technology was developed with support from DST’s Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Programme.
A national patent has been filed for it.
The prototype can be integrated in any large power sector company that uses standard superconducting fault current limitsers.
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