130825Fault current limiter for smart power gridsClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKProving the feasibility of a new Fault Current Limiter (FCL) surge protection device for the power grid based upon zero power consumption permanent magnets. These new FCL components will be vital to prevent grid damage and to facilitate the safe connection between renewable energy generators and the power grid, particularly the emerging smart grid. The start up company led consortia will use intellectual property developed at Cardiff University to create a scale model proof-of-design and further provide the confidence to scale the design into a range of higher power FCL products. The Global FCL market is just emerging and is estimated to reach a cumulative value of $3bn by 2020 assuming that commercial FCL products are available by 2013.