Fault current limiter -; R&D status and testing issues

Prototype fault current limiter (FCL) devices are undergoing testing with the aim of market-ready devices making their debut in the transmission and distribution (T&D) system in the next five years. As these devices move through the research, development, and demonstration process, there are questions about whether the capabilities of commercial T&D equipment testing facilities are adequate to meet technology- and market-readiness goals. T&D equipment testing facilities can provide voltage and current to adequately test FCLs at the distribution level, but there is no place that has the capabilities to test FCLs at transmission-level current and voltage levels simultaneously. This paper identifies the specific testing requirements for advanced electricity-delivery devices such as fault current limiters and assesses the existing capabilities of testing facilities in the U.S. and internationally.