Thyristor-Controlled AC Reactor Based Fault Current Limiter for Distribution Network Stability Enhancement

Abstract

Recently, various types of Solid State Fault Current Limiters (SSFCLs) have been proposed. These SSFCLs can improve the voltage quality, decrease the transmission losses, and also can enhance the distribution network stability but there are some practical problems with these FCLs. This paper proposes a modified FCL with focusing on the components optimization, efficiency improvement and reducing the cost. The suggested FCL uses a series AC reactor with controllable power electronic switches named Thyristor-Controlled AC Reactor (TCAR) which is connected in series with the feeder to limit the fault current and avoid fault current problems, which impairs overall distribution network reliability. The influence of TCAR on the fault current is analyzed using analytical, simulation and laboratory tests. The performance of the proposed TCAR in the simple distribution network is examined. The simulation and experimental results are in a good agreement with together and show the proper operation of the proposed TCAR during the normal and fault operation modes.