Use of Resistive Superconducting Fault Current Limiter for Fuse–Recloser Coordination in Radial Distribution Networks Connected with Distributed Generation

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the fuse-recloser coordination in radial distribution networks connected with distribution generation (DG) by using resistive superconducting fault current limiter (R-SFCL). Normally, fuses and reclosers are used to protect radial distribution networks against fault currents. Fuses and reclosers are coordinated in a way that reclosers clear temporary faults before the melting of fuses. However, when faults are permanent, fuses melt to clear fault current. This coordination between fuses and reclosers may not be maintained when DG is integrated with distribution networks. The impact of DG on fuse-recloser coordination depends on size, location, and type of DG. In this paper, R-SFCL is connected in series with the DG to limit the fault current contribution of that DG during fault period and mitigate its impact on fuse-recloser coordination. Different penetration levels of conventional synchronous generator (SG) are studied and different faults locations are tested. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the R-SFCL to maintain the fuse-recloser coordination in all the studied cases. All simulations are performed using MATLAB/Simulink package.