Implementation of FCL in Hybrid AC/DC Distribution Network System

Abstract

To satisfy consumers' power demands, electric power companies must be able to transform renewable energy into electrical energy. The addition of renewable energy as distributed generation (DG) in the distribution network system is a good solution for electric power systems that require additional power. The reason is because DG does not need a transmission line so it can minimize power losses. In addition, renewable energy is friendly to the environment and free of air pollution. These advantages support the government's policy to use clean energy while protecting the environment. Renewable energy systems generally produce direct current (DC). Therefore, renewable energy integrated with the distribution network will create a hybrid AC/DC system. It should be noted that the installation of new power plants might enhance short-circuit fault current contributions to the distribution network. This phenomenon also applies to renewable energy in hybrid AC/DC systems. The purpose of this article is to investigate the rise in short-circuit fault current in a hybrid AC/DC system. Furthermore, this research presents a technique for reducing short-circuit fault current utilizing Fault Current Limiting (FCL). Several scenarios are developed to demonstrate variations in short-circuit fault current. The first scenario simulates a short circuit fault current in a distribution network that does not use renewable energy. The second scenario involves doing a short circuit simulation on a hybrid AC/DC distribution network system after it has been linked to renewable energy. The third scenario involves the use of FCL to simulate short circuit current reduction in a hybrid AC/DC system.