A resistive fault current limiter is described that demonstrates the v
iability of using high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) elements in
this type of current limiter design. The primary design issue surround
ing such a fault current limiter lies in insuring that the fault energ
y, manifesting itself as Joule heating in the HTSC elements, is safely
dissipated without permanently damaging the HTSC elements. This issue
can be resolved by utilizing relatively low I-c polycrystalline yttri
um barium copper oxide (YBCO) filaments and by placing these filaments
in intimate contact with a substantial thermal mass. This thermal mas
s is provided by a ceramic-filled epoxy composite that, in addition to
its thermal properties, contributes substantial mechanical strength t
o the conductor element. Current limiters based on this design have th
e advantages of not requiring external fault sensing, an extremely rap
id response to fault, and automatic resetting once the fault has clear
ed.