Switching properties of high quality superconductors

摘要

Switching and current limiting characteristics of several high-T_c superconductors are reviewed and compared to those for low-T_c superconductors in perspective of power applications. The comparison includes BSCCO tape as well as melt-processed tube, and YBCO film under repetitive operation. Potentially, YBCO film shows the best characteristics, but several problems prevent it from immediate application. The presence of a silver or silver alloy matrix in BSCCO tape also limits the ways of application. Here a hybrid switch is proposed employing the best properties of low- and high-T_c superconductors, of semiconductors and magnetic materials. Simulations of the devices were performed to validate the operation of the switches in pulse as well as in a repetitive mode.