Electric tech first for team

Oct 24 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A BLYTH-based energy technology team has become the first to install a revolutionary electrical device into a commercial supply network.

Applied Superconductor Ltd, has developed the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) which has now been fully commissioned for use by distribution network owner Electricity North West.

The technology is set to play a major role in the low carbon era by assisting Utilities to build the necessary infrastructure required to enable the connection of renewable energy sources.

Installed in a substation directly supplying customers near Preston in Lancashire, the limiter uses superconductivity to block any current overloads or short circuits.

It performs a vital part in saving electrical equipment from failure, limiting the likelihood of breakdown, explosion and fires, and crucially keeping the networks and the public safe.

It is the first of three to be developed by Applied Superconductor with three Distribution Network Operators, Electricity North West, Scottish Power and CE Electric UK under OFGEM’s Innovation Funding Initiative scheme.

The technology was developed and supplied by German based Nexans SuperConductors GmbH, a subsidiary of Nexans

Applied Superconductor chief executive officer Herbert Piereder says he’s delighted at having achieved a major milestone in the new energy revolution.