A magnetic-core based fault current limiter for utility applications

A magnetic core fault current limiter (MFCL) saturated by a dc biasing coil was designed and implemented, both experimentally and in PSCAD/EMTDC simulation package. The operation of the device under normal operating conditions and faults was then studied. A case study was carried out using simulation to demonstrate the application of the proposed MFCL. The benefits of using a grid-connected single-phase rectifier to bias the dc coil of the MFCL were investigated through simulation studies. The simulation results show improvements in limiting the fault current and minimizing the voltage sag on healthy busbars during a fault. It was also found that the highest improvements are achieved when the rectifier is connected to the downstream grid. Keywords:  Distributed generators, distribution network, magnetic fault current limiter. Doi : 10.4038/jnsfsr.v39i3.3626 J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2011 39 (3):227-234