Reverse engineering of inductive fault current limiters

Abstract

Abstract. The inductive fault current limiter is less compact and harder to scale to high voltage networks than the resistive one. Nevertheless, its simple construction and mechanical robustness make it attractive in low voltage grids. Thus, it might be an enabling technology for the advent of microgrids, low voltage networks with dispersed generation, controllable loads and energy storage. A new methodology for reverse engineering of inductive fault current limiters based on the independent analysis of iron cores and HTS cylinders is presented in this paper. Their electromagnetic characteristics are used to predict the devices' hysteresis loops and consequently their dynamic behavior. Previous models based on the separate analysis of the limiters' components were already derived, e.g. in transformer like equivalent models. Nevertheless, the assumptions usually made may limit these models' application, as shown in the paper. The proposed methodology obviates these limitations. Results are validated through simulations.

Coupled Electromagnetic-Thermal Model and Equivalent Circuit of a Magnetic Shield Type SFCL

“…Its feasibility has been widely demonstrated by means of several prototypes [2]- [6]. Extensive and accurate numerical modeling, based on commercial or self-developed finite elements codes, has also been carried out in parallel, mainly with the aim to aid and optimize the design of the device [7]- [10]. However, in order to investigate the reciprocal interaction of the SFCL with power networks an equivalent circuit is required [11]- [16].…”

High Temperature Superconducting Fault Current Limiters as Enabling Technology in Electrical Grids with Increased Distributed Generation Penetration

“…SFCL are a promising technology in such environment, addressing issues as safety or power quality. It is thus relevant to develop analysis tools for their dynamic behavior, and authors built such a straightforward algorithm for one type of those limiters (inductive), based on the individual analysis of device's elements (HTS and iron core) [8]. It builds FCL's hysteresis cycle, allowing simulating grids' currents and correctly dimensioning switchgears or transformers.…”

“…Although less compact, robustness of inductive SFCL makes them attractive in distribution networks, where DG is applied. The algorithm developed by the authors [8] is thus of utmost relevance.…”

Development of a Simulink Model of a Saturated Cores Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

“…The dynamic behaviour of the SFCL is thus simulated based on this ψ FCL -i line characteristic. This is an extension of the methodology proposed for transformer type SFCL [8][9][10] and presented in [11] for saturated cores SFCL.…”