Application of superconducting fault current limiter to cloud the presence of distributed generation

Abstract

Increase in power demand calls for increase in number of generating stations and interconnections. Microgrid is a novel architecture that utilizes renewable energy resources to meet this increase in power demand. In a Microgrid, power generation is distributed among various small units called Distributed generators (DGs). When a DG is integrated, it causes few protection issues like increase in fault current levels and under reaching of over current relays. Fault current limiters can be used to limit increased fault currents. Under reaching of over current relays can be avoided using adaptive relaying techniques but to implement these methods present relays have to be replaced. Placing a Superconducting Fault Current (SFCL) in series with DG reduces increased fault levels and also avoids under reaching of over current relays. A SFCL in series with DG can reduce the impact of DG on protection equipment. Thus a SFCL can cloud the presence of DG without the need for changing entire protection system.