A new approach for optimal allocation of multiple SFCLs in a power system with distributed generation

Abstract

Power systems around the world are impacted by increasing penetration of Distributed Generations (DGs), which, in many cases, results in higher fault current levels. In some cases the increased fault current level may exceed the rating of the existing Circuit Breakers (CBs). Since fault current levels are, to a large extend, influenced by the network parameters and topology, which are not easily changed, the usefulness of Fault Current limiters (FCLs) to reduce excessive fault current levels is currently being analyzed by the Power Systems community. Aside analyzing the impact of individual FCLs on fault currents, the optimal placement of multiple FCLs needs to be considered, particularly in a complex large-scale power system. This paper proposed a new algorithm to optimize the locations and sizes of inductive superconducting FCLs installed in a power system. The purpose of this method is to restrain the fault current level under the interrupting rating of the existing CBs by using smallest effective SFCL impedances. By using the proposed method, the efficiency and accuracy of SFCL arrangement computation can be improved.