Validity Analysis on the Positioning of Superconducting Fault Current Limiter in Neighboring AC and DC Microgrid

• Published in: IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Vol. 23; no. 3; p. 5600204
• Main Authors: Jae-Sang Hwang, Khan, U. A., Woo-Ju Shin, Jae-Kyu Seong, Jong-Geon Lee, Yong-Han Kim, Bang-Wook Lee
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.06.2013; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Connection and protection apparatus; Current limiters; Direct current; Direct current networks; Distributed generation (DG) sources; Electric power grids; Electric utilities; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electricity distribution; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; fault current; Fault currents; Faults; Feasibility analysis; Joints; microgrid; Miscellaneous; neighboring grid; Photovoltaic systems; Power networks and lines; protection devices; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Smart grid; Smart grids; Superconducting devices; superconducting fault current limiter; Superconductivity; Wind farms; neighboring grid; Positioning; Windfarm; Worst case method; superconducting fault current limiter; Distributed power generation; Damage prevention; Implementation; Low voltage; microgrid; Power losses; Direct current network; Transient analysis; Distribution network; Electric fault; fault current; Protective device; Connection; Grid-connected system; Distributed generation (DG) sources; Superconductor device; Distributed system; Fault current limiters; Smart grid; Fault currents; protection devices; Renewable energy sources; Electrical network; Feasibility; Electric power production; Reliability
• ISSN: 1051-8223; 1558-2515
• DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2012.2228735

In a smart grid, various kinds of distributed generation (DG) sources could be connected into the main power grid in order to enhance the reliability of the power system. The combination of ac and dc distribution grid are also considered for the efficient connection of renewable power resources. In this case, one of the critical problems due to these integrations is the excessive increase in the fault current because of the presence of DG within the smart grid. In order to protect the smart grid from increasing fault current, a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) could be applied, which has negligible power loss and capability to limit initial fault currents effectively. This paper presents feasibility analysis results of the positioning of the SFCL and its effects on reducing fault current in a smart grid having ac and dc microgrid. The detailed power system was implemented with a microgrid having wind farm and low voltage dc grid connected with a photovoltaic farm. Transient analyses were performed for the worst case faults with the different SFCL arrangements. The strategic location of SFCL in the power grid, which could limit fault currents and has no negative effect on the DG sources, was found to be the connection point of integration of the each DG sources in the ac and dc microgrid.