Transient analysis in distribution networks using resistive superconducting fault current limiters

This paper presents the implementation of a simple model of resistive Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (r-ScFCL) based on High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) in the software ATP/EMTP for different transient conditions appearing in distribution networks. The use of fault current limiters (FCL) is rather appealing since they can provide reduction of the short-circuit levels during faults while consuming negligible power in nominal regime. Thus far, a lot of efforts have been dedicated to the design of the equipment and lately only a few works have been focused on the impact of the device in the electrical networks. Topics of interest for the electrical sector cover the study of protection coordination and transient analysis during fault conditions. Both topics ought to be studied from the perspective of power system engineering including new technologies such as ScFCL, for instance. In the present work, part of this effort is carried out. A simplified r-ScFCL model is adopted to evaluate the dynamic performance of a given r-ScFCL under different transient conditions such as faults, transformer energisations and re-closing for distribution systems.