Protection of MTDC Network Using a Resistive Type Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

Abstract

Multi-terminal DC network (MTDC) offers great potential for long distance huge power delivery with multi-direction power transmission capability. However, the key obstacle in a realization of MTDC is the lack of existing commercial protection device can withstand the DC fault that rises rapidly and surge tenfold within several milliseconds over the whole system. The new technology called Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL) could bring a solution to the main bottleneck of the MTDC networks. In this work, an electro-thermal model of resistive type SFCL in series with a hybrid DC circuit breaker is proposed to protect a five terminal MTDC network. The numerical analysis carried out using (EMTP-RV®) software, and the simulation results show how effectively the SFCL can reduce the fault current and increase the breaking capability. Moreover, system stability is remarkably improved.