Application of Multiple Resistive Superconducting Fault-Current Limiters for Fast Fault Detection in Highly Interconnected Distribution Systems

Abstract

Superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) offer several benefits for electrical distribution systems, especially with increasing distributed generation and the requirements for better network reliability and efficiency. This paper examines the use of multiple SFCLs in a protection scheme to locate faulted circuits, using an approach which is radically different from typical proposed applications of fault current limitation, and also which does not require communications. The technique, referred to as "current division discrimination" (CDD), is based upon the intrinsic inverse current-time characteristics of resistive SFCLs, which ensures that only the SFCLs closest to a fault operate. CDD is especially suited to meshed networks and particularly when the network topology may change over time. Meshed networks are expensive and complex to protect using conventional methods. Simulation results with multiple SFCLs, using a thermalelectric superconductor model, confirm that CDD operates as expected. Nevertheless, CDD has limitations, which are examined in this paper. The SFCLs must be appropriately rated for the maximum system fault level, although some variation in actual fault level can be tolerated. For correct coordination between SFCLs, each bus must have at least three circuits that can supply fault current, and the SFCLs should have identical current-time characteristics.

Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion Protection System Design Trades

“…A superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) can be implemented to suppress fault currents. However, for moderate critical current margins, the response time of a resistive-type SFCL can be much slower than an SSCB [13]. The operating time of an SFCL depends on the relative magnitude of the fault and nominal currents.…”

“…The operating time of an SFCL depends on the relative magnitude of the fault and nominal currents. As such resistance increases occur on the order of around 1 to 10 ms [13] while SSCB operate on the order of microseconds [14]. A key advantage of the SFCL is that it is not only a robust technology due to its low complexity, but that is also lightweight when no transition to normally conducting equipment is required.…”

Current‐limiting strategy based on PR controller and active power filter for droop controlled microgrid

“…Blair et al . [9] adopts Resistive‐type Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (RSFCLs) to limit the fault current, detect and isolate the fault for distribution network with DG, but it does not consider the influence of the inverter‐based DG. In [10], the microgrid is connected to the main network at the point of common coupling, where the RSFCLs is applied to mitigate the fault current and its trigger signal is used for switching DG's control to V‐f control from P‐Q control, however, RSFCLs need complex and expensive equipment.…”

Reliability assessment of HV substations equipped with fault current limiter considering changes of failure rate of components

“…For many years, the researchers have devoted widespread efforts in limiting the fault currents as a more practical and cost‐effective alternative [1–3]. Consequently, several conventional approaches have thus far been proposed mainly consisting of: (i) bus splitting, (ii) current‐limiting reactors, (iii) high‐impendence transformers, and (iv) fault current‐limiting (FCL) apparatuses based on solid‐state/superconductor devices [4, 5].…”