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.