Effectiveness of a new inductive fault current limiter model in MV networks

A realistic model for a novel saturable core superconducting FCL (SCFCL) prototype is presented, and incorporated into time-domain power simulation software PSCAD™/EMTDC™. The present work incorporates non-linear material properties data of the magnetic core with inductance to produce a limiting effect on the line current in real time. The novelty of this core design is the inclusion of a superconducting material as the magnetisation DC coil to saturate the core, instead of using the superconductor directly within the magnetic circuit. The FCL model´s accuracy was validated against experimental test results, and its performance analysed by its placement in a UK generic network at MV level. Implementation simulations showed the device could achieve a 50% current clipping capacity, when placed in an MV network. Other standard FCL tests were performed on this model and their results are presented.