Application of Fault Current Detection and Limiting Technology on Electrical Distribution Systems for Naval Ships

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.