Abstract
With the high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in power systems, the short-circuit levels have changed, creating the requirement for altering or upgrading the existing switchgear and protection schemes. In addition, the continuous increase in power (accounting both for generation and demand) has imposed, in some cases, the need for the reinforcement of existing power system assets such as feeders, transformers, and other substation equipment. To overcome these challenges, the development of superconducting devices with fault current limiting capabilities in power system applications has been proposed as a promising solution. This paper presents a power system fault analysis exercise in networks integrating Superconducting Cables (SCs). This studies utilized a validated model of SCs with second generation High Temperature Superconducting tapes (2G HTS tapes) and a parallel-connected copper stabilizer layer. The performance of the SCs during fault conditions has been tested in networks integrating both synchronous and converter-connected generation. During fault conditions, the utilization of the stabilizer layer provides an alternative path for transient fault currents, and therefore reduces heat generation and assists with the protection of the cable. The effect of the quenching phenomenon and the fault current limitation is analyzed from the perspective of both steady state and transient fault analysis. This paper also provides meaningful insights into SCs, with respect to fault current limiting features, and presents the challenges associated with the impact of SCs on power systems protection.
Highlights
Transmission System Operators (TSOs) are responsible for the security of power grids and maintaining the balance between power generation and demand
The comprehensive fault current characterization presented in this paper used a simplified, validated Superconducting Cables (SCs) model and highlighted the following key outcomes: The operation of the SCs can be divided into three different stages: (i) the superconducting stage during the steady state operation of a power system, at which the SCs presents approximately zero resistance; (ii) the quenching process, which includes the partial resistive flux flow stage, reached when the fault current exceeds the critical current IC and while temperature remains below the critical value TC ; and (iii) the highly resistive normal state which is reached once the temperature exceeds the critical value TC
It has been found that during fault, the stabilizer layer can be used as a parallel path for the transient current, reducing heat generation, temperature rise, and protecting the cable from being damaged
Summary
Transmission System Operators (TSOs) are responsible for the security of power grids and maintaining the balance between power generation and demand. New trends have emerged in power systems, pushing for a change in the way that networks are controlled, giving the TSOs plenty of new challenges to face in order to maintain the reliability and the security of power exchanges. Energies 2020, 13, 6646 utilities face several converging challenges caused by demand growth. All these factors bring about new challenges for future power systems, requiring the development of bulk power corridors as interconnections between different countries, and the upgrading of existing networks. In order to avoid technologically, economically, and socially challenging solutions, such as building of new substations [1], there is a need for the investigation of new technologies which can overcome these restrictions and increase the electrical capacity and flexibility of the network
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