Application of Fault Current Detection and Limiting Technology on Electrical Distribution Systems for Naval Ships Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Topic No.: N06-134 Topic Title: Application of Fault Current Detection and Limiting Technology on Electrical Distribution Systems for Naval Ships Proposal No.: N062-134-0386 Firm: AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR Two Technology Drive Westborough, Massachusetts 01581 Contact: Swarn Kalsi Phone: (508) 621-4269 Web Site: www.amsuper.com Abstract: AMSC proposes to develop concepts and key components for the first militarily viable and commercializable Fault Current Limiter (FCL). This will utilize the 2nd generation High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) wire (YBCO Coated Conductor Technology) becoming commercially available now. Recent advances in the development of all electric ships for the U.S. Navy indicate that the total power requirements on large surface ships could approach 100 MW. This large power, in conjunction with relatively low voltage requiring high currents, and with the use of power electronic systems, HTS motors and generators, make fault currents very high. Limiting these fault currents to a manageable level will become increasingly mandatory in future ship platforms. We will analyze the electrical system of a large combatant for different electric bus configurations (from 2-8kV, DC to 4.2-13.8kV, AC) to estimate highest fault currents and will propose FCL concepts to rein in these currents within the interruption capabilities of available COTS circuit breakers and provide other benefits (such as power quality) to the overall system. This project will show how a second generation "coated conductor" HTS wire could be utilized for developing a practical FCL for ship system applications, because of its robustness, rapid switching and cost-effectiveness. Benefits: Application of FCL in ship electrical system will provide benefit of reducing size of circuit breakers and cables. The FCL product developed for shipboard applications could be adapted for industrial and electric utility applications. In future, it would be possible for DOD to purchase COTS FCLs and modify them for shipboard use. This FCL will revolutionize the electric power grid by permitting larger power handling capability by the existing equipment used throughout the electric power industry. Reliable FCL product will open major markets in military, industrial and utility sectors, potentially on the order of tens of million dollars by 2010. Return