A novel IGCT-based Half-controlled Bridge Type Fault Current Limiter

A novel IGCT-based half-controlled bridge-type fault current limiter is proposed in this paper. By substituting the half-controllable SCR in the rectifier bridge with self-turn-off device IGCT, the uncontrolled lime of the converter bridge can be reduced from half a cycle to the delay time of the current measuring circuit. If the maximum current in the dc reactor is preset, the inductance, volume, weight and cost of the DC reactor can be reduced to one 32th of what it is in the SCR-based bridge type FCL in three phase power systems approximately. The magnetization time of the DC reactor is reduced. The control method is very simple. The dynamic performance of the proposal FCL can be improved. Topology and control strategies of the proposal FCL are described in detail. Simulations under each short circuit fault mode are carried out. An experimental model is constituted and tested. Simulation and experiment results proved the practicability and validity of the new FCL