Application of a parallel-resonance-type FCL for maintaining the recloser-fuse coordination in a power distribution system with a dispersed generation

Dispersed generation (DG) sources are rapidly opening their way to the power systems. Despite the many advantages that their introduction into the grid has, it may cause some problems. One of the problems is increasing the short-circuit current and the loss of protective devices coordination. To deal with this problem, many different approaches have been proposed. One of the best promising approaches of resolving the problem is using a fault current limiter (FCL) to limit DG's current during a short circuit fault. In this paper, a parallel-resonance-type fault current limiter is used in the interconnection point of the DG to the grid to keep its current at its pre-fault value during a short circuit fault. A comparative study is carried out through the short-circuit tests to demonstrate the superiority of using this kind of FCL over the conventional resonance-type one. The novelty of this paper is that by using the mentioned FCL, operating times of the recloser and fuse will be maintained at their values before the introduction of DG. So, the recloser-fuse coordination can be restored with higher coincidence with the pre-introduction of DG condition. Furthermore, using this kind of FCL has less effect on the normal system condition.