A Comprehensive Review on Superconducting Fault Current Limiters in Electrical Utility Network

As a result of the increasing power demand and the high penetration of distributed generations (DG), a current can suddenly increase during a contingency. This fault current gives the possibility of exceeding the ratings of the existing protective devices. Therefore, in power systems, the utilization of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) can suppress the unanticipated short-circuit currents in utility distribution and transmission networks, so that the underrated switchgears can be operated safely. SFCL's eli­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­minate or greatly reduce the financial burden on the utilities by reducing the wear on circuit breakers and protecting other expensive equipment. Superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) based on high temperature superconductors (HTS) is an enabling technology for the extensive fault current limitation when compared to conventional circuit breakers (CBs) and other fault current limiters.  Superconducting FCLs can be installed at optimum locations in the transmission network to reduce fault currents to within a tolerable range when a new power plant is installed. With these placements, we can make full use of the advantages of smart grid’s communication network and different characteristics of FCL devices in different categories to offer a more flexible and reliable protection for future power grid. This paper outlines various types and basic application guidelines for using superconducting fault current limiters in electrical utility network.

Keywords: Fault current, smart grid, superconducting fault current limiter