Development of a new multi-divided type of commutating elements for fault current limiters on distribution lines

The authors developed a new type of commutating element that can be used repeatedly in order to develop fault current limiters (FCLs) to be operated on distribution lines. Operating tests were carried out on the commutating element combined with a conducting element in a circuit equivalent to the line voltage of 6.9 kV and the short-circuit current of 12.5 kA. The FCL was able to limit the actual peak current to 12 kA, or one third under a peak current of 32.5 kA without the use of the FCL. The authors present the operating principle of the new commutating element and results of the tests. The commutating element employs stainless steel resistors operating in a SF₆-N₂ gas mixture