The short-circuit fault current suppression in the HVDC system is one of the key problems of DC system protection. Inductive DC fault current limiter（FCL） can constrain the rising speed of short-circuit current

making it a promising method to solve the problem of short-circuit fault current. Firstly

the fault current characteristic of DC system is analyzed

and the performance evaluation index of FCL is proposed. Secondly

the working principle

electrical characteristics and the latest research status of 3 inductive DC FCL types

including flux-coupling type

saturated-core type

and solid state type

are analyzed. Then

the inductance gain factor

dynamic response time

voltage/current capability and costs of different types of FCLs are summarized and compared

and their advantages and disadvantages and applicable DC voltage levels are given. Finally

according to the development trend of the DC power grid in the future

the key technical problems that need to be solved for all kinds of FCLs are given

such as the problem of the quench synchronization of superconducting materials

the excitation system performance of the saturated core FCL

the multi-function of the solid-state FCL

etc.

which makes a prospect for the further research direction of the DC current limiter technology.