Normal zone propagation in superconducting thin-film fault current limiting elements with Au-Ag alloy shunt layers

We have been developing a superconducting fault current limiter (FCL), in which YBCO superconducting thin films with Au-Ag alloy shunt layers are used. We have already achieved high electric fields (>40 Vpeak/cm), which enable the total length of FCL elements to be reduced drastically, thus greatly reducing the cost of FCLs. In this paper, we report the normal zone propagation velocity in our films when over-current was applied to the films at 50 Hz for 100 ms. The velocity plotted against the root-mean square values of the normalized film current showed a common curve or curves. The data were also discussed using the adiabatic theory. As the normal zone propagation velocity was not so fast, we divided one unit film of 120 mm length into two portions, to each of which an external resistance was attached. The test result showed that a high electric field of 45 Vpeak/cm and total voltage of 450 Vpeak were achieved in the first cycle after quenching, and the film withstood the voltage for five cycles. The temperature distribution along the length of the film was also shown.