Fault current limiter optimal placement considering different microgrid operational modes using Cuckoo search algorithm

Nowadays, the spread of smart grids is becoming more and more important due to their various technical and economic advantages. One of the most important aspects of smart grids is the use of low voltage products in the structure of distribution networks and their conversion into grid networks. A microgrid is a low power grid that can operate in different modes in relation to its upstream network: the functional modes of connected to or disconnected from the upstream network. These functional status shifts are always challenging to the microgrid utilization, one of which is the great difference between the measured fault current in the two operational modes of the grid. Protectoral equipment used based on the fault current measured when in disconnected operational mode may not function properly when connected to the upstream network. Using the Fault Current Limiter (FCL) is one way to reduce the effects of these disparities. One of the influencing factors beside the technicalities, is the economic aspects of the FCL. In this paper, we first develop a target function based on the technical and economic aspects of the FCL to reduce the difference between the two currents and the optimal value of these limiters by the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA). The results of the simulations performed in the MATLAB environment show the impact of FCL on the microgrid from the technical and economic point of view.