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Transformer isolated Three-Phase Rectifier Bridge FCL [24].  

Transformer isolated Three-Phase Rectifier Bridge FCL [24].  

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Article
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This paper presents a comparative survey of research activities and emerging technologies of solid-state fault current limiters for power distribution systems.

Citations

... Alternatively, more efficient and cost effective solutions have been under research. Examples of the reported DC circuit breaker technologies are SSCBs and HCBs [20][21][22][23]. SSCBs use power semiconductor switches as a circuit breaker in the main power loop. ...
Article
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The series‐type direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breaker (S‐HCB) concept was previously reported to offer better performance than solid‐state circuit breakers (SSCB) and hybrid circuit breakers (HCB). S‐HCB offers low conduction power loss like an HCB and μs$\umu \text{s}$‐scale interruption time, which is even faster than an SSCB. It uses a pulse transformer to isolate the lower‐voltage high‐inductance power electronic circuit from the high‐voltage, low‐inductance main power loop. This paper provides analysis of the impact of the S‐HCB circuit components on the overall system performance and a scalable S‐HCB design guide for different DC system voltage and current ratings. In addition, system energy flow analysis is performed in the time domain to provide an understanding of how energy is delivered, dissipated, and released throughout the entire fault interruption process. The S‐HCB prototype was experimentally tested at 3 kV/30 A and 6 kV/150A with the results showing the interruption of the low fault current of 30 A and the high fault current of 150 A within 8 μs$\umu \text{s}$ and maintaining the fault current at a near zero value for 300μs$\nobreakspace \umu \text{s}$ to enable an arcless opening of a series mechanical switch. The key design challenges of S‐HCB at high voltage and high current ratings were discussed and possible solutions to mitigate those challenges were introduced.
... The continuous expansion of the electrical industry and the growing demand for electricity present significant challenges for the power grid, particularly concerning the management of increased short-circuit currents during fault conditions [1,2]. Enlarging the entire system to accommodate higher fault currents is a feasible solution, but it entails substantial costs [3][4][5]. An alternative and practical approach lies in the implementation of FCLs, offering a cost-effective solution [6]. ...
... Furthermore, various other FCL models and techniques have been investigated [3], including active current limiters [30], solid-state FCLs [31], and hybrid FCLs [32][33][34]. These approaches utilize advanced control algorithms [35], power electronics devices [36], and novel materials to achieve efficient fault current limitation while considering cost and system compatibility [37]. ...
Article
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The escalating levels of fault currents resulting from short circuits, particularly in the context of distribution generators, have presented a critical need for the widespread implementation of fault current limiters (FCLs) in power systems. Despite their evident advantages, the extensive adoption of FCLs has been hindered by the high production costs associated with these devices. To address this challenge, a comprehensive study was conducted to develop a cost-effective FCL tailored specifically for three-phase power systems. This paper proposes a novel approach based on a single commutation circuit for the FCL and offers detailed insights into the construction of the FCL circuit, with a particular focus on efficient current interruption. Additionally, the study comprehensively discusses the logic controller and measurement system employed in conjunction with the proposed FCL, ensuring precise fault detection and rapid response to disturbances within the power grid. The integration of an artificial zero-crossing circuit within the FCL design further enhances its capability to limit short-circuit currents proactively, even before the occurrence of the first peak, thereby bolstering overall system reliability and stability. The study's significant contribution lies in achieving cost-effectiveness through the simplicity of the FCL's design, eliminating the need for extensive upgrades to various network components.
... By switching the operating status of several lines and optimising the power network structure, OTS can eliminate the network's weak links, thereby enhancing the safety, economy, and robustness of network operation [10][11][12]. OTS has a significant advantage over conventional measures, such as deploying current-limiting reactors [13,14], because it can reduce the network's SCC level by switching some lines without additional devices [15]. However, previous research has only concentrated on pure AC systems, ignoring the conflict between limiting SCC and meeting system strength requirements in the multi-infeed DC receiving-end power network. ...
Article
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A large‐scale AC/DC hybrid power network has recently been constructed in China because of the fast development of high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. The receiving AC system must have sufficient system strength to guarantee the safe operation of the DC side. The paradox is that raising the AC side system's strength will increase the short‐circuit current (SCC) level, endangering the safety of the system. In order to resolve the contradiction between the system strength of multi‐infeed DC receiving‐end power networks and SCC, this paper proposes an optimal transmission switching strategy. Firstly, the system strength is characterised by the multi‐infeed short‐circuit ratio (MISCR), followed by constructing a comprehensive constraint set that considers the MISCR and SCC simultaneously. Secondly, to optimize SCC with MISCR and N−1 safety constraints, a mixed integer linear programming model is developed. Finally, to enhance the computing performance for large power systems, a new connectivity constraint set and decision space reduction techniques are provided. The proposed method is tested for effectiveness using the IEEE 30‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus systems.
... In recent years, a number of current-limiting equipment and strategies have been presented to lessen the effects of short circuits. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. A device commonly used for limiting short-circuit current is the current-limiting reactor. ...
... Fuse can also provide protection by interrupting the fault current before it reaches to highest in the circuit [4]. Fault current limiters (FCLs) offer several advantages such as allowing the use of old or using less effective security measures, avoiding exorbitant device replacements, and protecting devices from the first peak during short circuits [4][5][6]. FCLs not only limit fault currents but also improve voltage characteristics during fault conditions. They also have a quick recovery time after the short circuit is extinguished and can be effectively coordinated with the available protection system. ...
Article
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This paper presents the experiment investigation of using the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) in combination with a circuit breaker (CB) to mitigate the consequences of various fault types in electrical power systems. From the experimental results the SFCL-CB system can provide fast and reliable fault protection, reduce the fault current, prevent damage to the system, prevent the fault from spreading to other parts of the system, and reduce the stress on other components in the system. The proposed system also demonstrates that the SFCL has a simple and reliable structure and a flexible control strategy. The objective was to establish an interdisciplinary application using superconductor-semiconductor coupling from the perspective of applied superconductivity and AC load. The experimental setup included a 380V/2.9A magnetic-controlled switcher-type fault current limiter, which was built to verify its characteristic. The real-time response of the SFCL system during a fault event was found to be critical in preventing damage to the system, and the SFCL's ability to limit the fault current and interrupt it safely made it an effective solution for protecting electrical power systems.
... As shown in Figure 1b), a switch-type SSFCL entails controlled switches, limiting impedance, a snubber for protecting switches, and a varistor (ZnO) to diminish transient overvoltage [25]. During normal conditions, the switches turn on and the FCL shows negligible impedance. ...
Article
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The algorithms of the present generation of practical differential relays are based on two methods. The first method is based on the ratio of the harmonic content of the differential current, and the second one is based on the length of the time interval between the zero‐crossing points of the differential current, called the gap‐detection method. However, these methods suffer from the installation of the fault current limiters (FCLs) in the power system and current transformer (CT) saturation phenomenon. This paper deals with a simple practical method for differential relays to secure their performance. In the suggested method, a classifying algorithm is used to categorize the input signal of the relay and then the best method of the present generation of differential relays is employed. By this simple decision, the method takes the advantage of harmonic‐based and gap‐detection methods, while avoiding their drawbacks. To prove the robustness of the suggested method, a test bench with a resistive solid‐state fault current limiter (SSFCL) is implemented and examined in different situations. The results validate the consistency and the accuracy of the modified technique not only in the absence and the presence of the FCL but in the case of CT saturation.
... Previously, different energy networks, such as electricity and natural gas, were planned and implemented separately [3]. Although this may have an impact on the optimal performance of energy, independent methods were used to operate these energy carriers. ...
Preprint
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Power quality has become a vital factor because of the simultaneous use of electric and gas energies in a network (multi-carrier grid) as well as the use of modern electrical equipment. Poor electricity quality is defined as the presence of changes, distortions, or disturbances in voltage, current, and frequency quantities that cause the failure or improper operation of the subscribers' equipment. In this research, we aim to improve the voltage drop and increase the resilience of the multi-carrier distribution network (Energy Hub) in the event of a short-circuit fault, resulting in the provision of 10% of the total load and an improvement in subscriber welfare. To improve the voltage drop, we first need fast fault detection, which is accomplished by using an FCL filter, which is capable of detecting any short-circuit fault in the shortest amount of time by combining the method of estimating frequency fluctuations and the Prony method. After detecting the fault, a combination of DVR and D-STATCOM (DDS) is used to compensate for the voltage drop. The amount of increase in subscriber resilience and welfare will then be investigated. The simulation results show proper performance in identifying the short-circuit fault to prevent the subscribers' collapse and blackout.
... In this scenario, fault current limiters (FCL) have been presented as a feasible solution for this problem, reducing short-circuit current level to the substation protection system ratings. The literature has presented several topologies of fault current limiters [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], which can be divided into passive and active types. The passive type can limit a fault current without the need of an external control signal. ...
Article
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The increase in distribution power demand and distributed generation may lead to a rise in power substation fault current levels. One possible solution to this problem is the use of a solid-state fault current limiter (SS-FCL). In this context, this paper proposes the concept of a bridge-type solid-state device switching an air-core reactor as an SS-FCL topology. The overvoltage protection system details are presented, along with an explanation of the fault detection algorithm control's principle. An experimental setup is designed to evaluate various events in addition to the short-circuit, such as load-steps, harmonic loads, motor startups, and transformer’s inrush. Fault current is detected within one millisecond, with a total reduction of 42%. The overvoltage protection system clamped the peak voltage across the semiconductor switch and kept the dV/dt below the maximum stipulated. The load input tests showed a proper limiting operation and provided that the device is within the parameterization range.
... Fault current limiters (FCLs) are series installed devices to restrict and minimize the fault current contribution from DERs or the main grid to a tolerable level, nearly 3-5 times the rated current [150]. Basically, FCL has a low impedance value under normal conditions that does not affect power flow or quality indices. ...
Article
Full-text available
With the rapid development of electrical power systems in recent years, microgrids (MGs) have become increasingly prevalent. MGs improve network efficiency and reduce operating costs and emissions because of the integration of distributed renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage, and source-load management systems. Despite these advances, the decentralized architecture of MGs impacts the functioning patterns of the entire system, including control strategy, energy management philosophy, and protection scheme. In this context, developing a convenient protection strategy for MGs is challenging because of various obstacles, such as the significant variance in short-circuit values under different operating modes, two-way power flow, asynchronous reclosing, protection blinding, sympathetic tripping, and loss of coordination. In light of these challenges, this paper reviews prior research on proposed protection schemes for AC-MGs to thoroughly evaluate network protection's potential issues. The paper also provides a comprehensive overview of the MG structure and the associated protection challenges, solutions, real applications, and future trends.
... Numerous technical papers and patents have been published on various types of DC fault interruption techniques in the past two decades, truly reflecting the high interest level on the subject from industry and academia alike. Several survey papers are already available to offer excellent reviews on different aspects of DC fault interruption, including fault protection in MVDC and LVDC [1]- [6] and HVDC [7]- [10] power systems, solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs) [11], thyristor-based SSCBs [12]- [14], hybrid circuit breakers (HCBs) [15], fault current limiters (FCLs) [16], and converter-based breakerless fault protection [17]. However, these survey or review papers tend to cover technical publications under a specific category and/or focus on the detailed technical features or subsystems. ...
Chapter
This chapter provides a brief overview of DC fault scenarios and fault detection and interruption technologies. A new classification of various DC fault interruption concepts, including simple mechanical means, solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB), hybrid circuit breaker (HCB), converter-based breakerless protection, and fault current limiter (FCL), is introduced, based on the fundamental topology and operation principle. Their advantages and disadvantages for different DC applications are discussed.KeywordsShort circuit faultFault detectionFault currentCircuit breakerSolid-state circuit breakerHybrid circuit breakerBreakerless protectionFault current limiter
... In addition, it increases the presence of impurities in the network, causing damages such as overheating and incorrect operation of protective devices. Survey of solid-state fault current limiters is presented in reference [28]. Characteristics, analysis and design of transformer type superconducting fault current limiter are presented in references [29][30][31][32][33][34]. ...
Article
In this article the development of air core current limiting reactor provided with controller is proposed to be used in AC fault current limitation of low and medium voltages. It contains an air core transformer, which its primary winding is connected in series with the mainstream of the electrical radial network AC system whereas the reactor secondary winding is fed from the secondary winding of voltage transformer stepped down from the network voltage, which is 11 kV in the case under study. The radial distribution electrical network is protected by a circuit breaker in series with the limiter for interrupting the fault after the air core reactor has been succeeded in limiting the fault current. The performance of the proposed air core current limiting reactor is investigated under various parameters such as varying the mutual inductance with fixed self-inductance and varying the mutual inductance at different values of self-inductances. Additionally, the effect of fault resistance on the fault current has been discussed. Furthermore, the study of air core current limiting reactor is done under different short circuit faults such as single line-to-ground, double lines-to-ground and three lines-to-ground. A comparison of the complete system performance is done with and without air core reactor concerning the re-striking voltage of the circuit breaker and the fault current which is the primary current of the reactor. The new Air Core Current Limiter has advantages over the other current limiters because it does not contain non-linear devices that may cause harmonic problems in the network. It can also be used in different voltages. It does not depend on charging capacitors in its feed, which improves its continuity in operation. Unlike the structures of FCLs, the new Air Core Current Limiter doesn't use DC power circuit or power electronic components such as diodes or thyristors. This minimizes the distortions and power losses may result from using such these elements.