Design and Performance Analysis of a Saturated Iron-Core Superconducting Fault Current Limiter for DC Power Systems

Van Quan Dao,Minwon Park,Chang Soon Kim,Jae-In Lee,Umberto Melaccio

doi:10.3390/en13226090

Abstract

A saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter (SI-SFCL) can significantly limit the magnitude of the fault current and reduce the stress on circuit breakers in direct current (DC) power systems. The SI-SFCL consists of three main parts: one magnetic iron-core, one normal conductive primary coil (CPC), and one superconducting secondary coil (SSC). This paper deals with the design options for the coil system of the SI-SFCL and confirms their operating characteristics through a physical experiment. The electromagnetic characteristics and operational features of the SI-SFCL was analyzed by a 3D finite element method simulation model. The design of the SSC was based on shape, wire types, required fault current limit and protection aspects. In the CPC, the bobbin was designed based on material selection, cost, structural design, and the effects of the SI-SFCL on the fault current limit. Based on these simulation results, a laboratory-scale SI-SFCL was developed, specifically fabricated to operate on a 500 V, 50 A direct current (DC) power system. In the experiment, the operating characteristics of each coil were analyzed, and the fault current limit of the SI-SFCL according to the operating currents of the SSC and bobbin design of the CPC were confirmed. Finally, the cost analysis of the SI-SFCL with the proposed design options of the coil system was implemented. The results obtained through this study can be effectively used to large-scale SI-SFCL development studies for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power systems.

Highlights

In recent years, with the increase in the grid connection of new and renewable energy generation facilities and the advent of smart grids, interest in research on multi-terminal high-voltage direct current transmission through a voltage source converter (VSC-HVDC) has been increasing [1]
The design of the superconducting secondary coil (SSC) was based on shape, wire type, required fault current limit and protection aspects
This paper only focused on the design options of the coil systems for the saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter (SI-superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL)) in the DC power system and confirmed them through a physical experiment

Summary

Introduction

With the increase in the grid connection of new and renewable energy generation facilities and the advent of smart grids, interest in research on multi-terminal high-voltage direct current transmission through a voltage source converter (VSC-HVDC) has been increasing [1]. One of the major challenges in the operation of a VSC-HVDC power system is to limit and block the DC fault current. Due to the characteristics of the converter structure and the control strategy of the VSC-HVDC power system, very high magnitude and fast rise rates of the DC fault currents are experienced. These make the internal components of the converter

Methods

Results

Conclusion