Nexans Goes Live on Grid with World’s First Fault Current Limiter Based on Second-Generation Superconductors

Nexans, a worldwide leading expert in the cable industry, has successfully commissioned the world’s first resistive superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) based on second-generation superconductor tapes. The SFCL, equipped with superconducting elements developed in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, has been installed on behalf of Vattenfall Europe Generation AG to provide short-circuit protection for the internal medium voltage power supply that feeds coal mills and crushers in the Boxberg lignite power plant in Saxony, Germany.

A first generation SFCL, based on solid superconducting materials, was installed by Nexans at Boxberg in 2009 as part of a long-term test programme. Following the successful completion of this project, Nexans has returned to the plant for live testing of a new SFCL device featuring superconducting tapes. These tapes reduce the already low losses in the conductor material by around 90 percent, thereby lowering operating costs. They also provide an even faster response to a short circuit than the first generation materials.

“We now have a second superconductor material option for manufacturing power systems, and this will provide us with an even wider range of applications for our fault current limiters to help customers improve the safety of personnel and equipment while also reducing infrastructure costs. The upgrading and expansion of power networks to meet the fast-changing needs of our customers requires intelligent solutions and new functions,” explains Jean-Maxime Saugrain, Corporate Vice President Technical at Nexans. “The power plant’s house load is just one of many potential applications for SFCL technology. For example, in the renewable energy sector the capability to supply more power from renewable sources is frequently restricted by the level of the short circuit currents.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more