Influence of Bubbles on Insulation Properties of LN2 for SFCL Under Lightning Impulse and DC Voltage

Abstract

As one of the most effective ways for the suppression and interruption of short-circuit current in voltage source converter based high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVdc) power systems, superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) has received more and more attention, especially the resistive SFCL. However, when the resistive SFCL is in the current limiting state or overload operation, a large amount of bubbles will be generated on the surface of superconducting tape, thereby affecting the insulation performance of the SFCL. Experiments are performed by using a heater-built-in electrode system where bubbles are generated from the surface of the ground electrode. The test can simulate the actual working condition. The effect of bubbles on breakdown voltage of liquid nitrogen (LN2) is investigated under different types of voltage (negative lightning impulse, positive dc voltage, and composite voltage of negative lightning impulse and positive dc voltage) and different pressures. The results show that the breakdown voltage of LN2 decreases with the increase of the number of bubbles regardless the type of voltage, and elevating pressure is an effective way to improve the insulation strength of LN2. All the test data can be used as the theoretical basis for insulation design of resistive SFCL.