Using Superconducting Fault Current Limiters to enhance the reliability of power transmission systems

Abstract

while one of the strongest points in a power system is the substation, it still contains what can be described as weak points or points of failure that could lead to major outages. Present paper examines the impact of Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL) on the transmission substation reliability. To this end, potential application of a SFCL in a practical 138kV transmission grid is studied from the reliability point of view and numerical results are presented. The concept of failure modes and effects analysis is used in deriving the study results presented in the paper. Results of the investigation show that using SFCLs makes a significant improvement in the load point reliability in addition to improving the power system dynamics.

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

“…In the energy domain, fail-safe power grids are foreseen, ensuring safety and power quality, supporting the coexistence of central and distributed generation, energy storage and bidirectional energy flow. SFCL exhibits several features that make them attractive in protecting network equipment as well as allowing improving network availability, contributing to assure fail-safe grids and thus robust and efficient SG [13].…”

Analysis of the effect of location and failure rates of fault current limiters on substations reliability

“…In other studies, the effects of using an FCL over network protection have been investigated while in Didier et al, the effects of FCL and its impedance type on increasing stability have been explained. In many articles, the effects of FCL on system reliability have been discussed . Although in the mentioned references, efforts have been made by the authors to evaluate the system reliability by using FCL, there are approximations and limitations that can reduce calculation accuracy.…”

“…These limitations are as follows: Adding any component to the system can change the system's reliability because of its failure rate. In a number of studies, it is assumed that the FCLs are completely reliable and their failure rate has been ignored in the calculations. The fault current reduction due to using FCL can reduce thermal and mechanical tensions on the network components . This may reduce the failure rate of the components .…”

“…The capacitive and inductive resonance limiters in Naderi et al 1 and Xiaoqing et al 4 and solid state FCLs in numerous studies [8][9][10][11][12][13] have been investigated. In a number of studies, [14][15][16] FCLs are studied on the basis of superconductor property. Moreover, in other studies, [17][18][19][20] hybrid FCLs have been introduced that combine different types of FCLs.…”

“…In many articles, the effects of FCL on system reliability have been discussed. [14][15][16][17][21][22][23][24][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Although in the mentioned references, efforts have been made by the authors to evaluate the system reliability by using FCL, there are approximations and limitations that can reduce calculation accuracy. These limitations are as follows:…”