S. Srilatha et al.

/ IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844

2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
24

Analysis of Positioning of Superconducting Fault
Current Limiter in Smart Grid Application

S. Srilatha
1
, Dr.K. Venkata Reddy
2
1
PG-Student, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engg.JNT University, Kakinada, India
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engg, JNT University, Kakinada, India.
1
sreenitha.hve@gmail.com

2
kvr.jntu@gmail.com
Abstract:
The introduction of new generating facilities by
independent power producers and increasing load
demand can result in fault current over duty on
existing transmission system protective equipment.
Conventional solutions to fault current over duty such
as major substation upgrades, splitting existing
substations buses or multiple circuit breakers
upgrades could be very expensive and require
undesirable extended outages and result in lower
power system reliability [8]. Due to the difficulty in
power network reinforcement and the interconnection
of more distributed generations, fault current level
has become a serious problem in transmission and
distribution system operations [10]. The utilization of
fault current limiters (FCLs) in power system
provides an effective way to suppress fault currents
and result in considerable saving in the investment of
high capacity circuit breakers. In this work a resistive
superconducting fault current limiter designed. To
reduce the fault current in the micro grid the designed
SFCL placed in proposed system, which consists of a
conventional power plant and 10MVA wind farm.
The effect of SFCL on the micro grid, and optimal
position for SFCL to get more reduction percentage
of wind farm faults current.
.
Keywords: Faults currents, Smart Grids, Wind farm,
Wind turbine Induction Generator.

1. Introduction
A fault condition may result in an electrical power
transmission system from event such as lighting
striking a power line, or downed trees, or utility poles
shorting the power lines to ground [6]. The fault
creates a surge of current through the electric power
system that can cause serious damage to grid
equipment.
With the increasing demand for power, electric
power systems have become greater and are
interconnected. Generation units of independent
Power producers (IPPs) and renewable energy have
been interconnected to power systems to support the
rising demands [11]. As a result, faults in power
networks incur large short-circuit currents flowing in
the network and in some cases may exceed the
ratings of existing circuit breakers (CB) and damage
system equipment The problems of inadequate CB
short-circuit ratings have become more serious than
before since in many locations, the highest rating of
the CB available in the market has been used. To deal
with the problem, fault current limiters (FCLs) are
often used in the situations where insufficient fault
current interrupting capability exists [12]. Less
expensive solutions such as current limiting reactors
may have unwanted side effects, Such as increasing
system losses, voltage regulation problems or
possibly could compromise system stability. Smart
grid is a modern electricity system. It uses sensors,
monitoring, communications, automation and
computers to improve the edibility, security,
reliability, efficiency, and safety of the electricity
system. Renewable energy technologies such as
photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity, and wind
turbine power are environmentally beneficial sources
of electric power generation [3]. The integration of
renewable energy sources into electric power
distribution systems can provide additional economic
benefits because of a reduction in the losses
associated with transmission and distribution lines.

In this work a SFCL model is designed. SFCL is an
innovative fault current limiter. It works on the
principle of Superconducting Property. It is inactive e
under normal condition. It is in active under fault
condition; it inserts some resistance into the line to
limit the fault current. It suppresses the fault current
within first half cycle only. It operates better than
Circuit breakers, Relays, because the Circuit breakers
takes minimum 2-3 cycles before they getting
activated. The effect of SFCL on micro grid fault
current observed. The optimal place to SFCL is
determined [11].
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
25



2. Proposed system



Fig.1. Proposed system model designed in Simulink/SimPowerSystem. Three phase to ground Fault and
SFCL locations are indicated in the diagram.

The proposed system is composed of a 100 MVA,
20KV conventional power plant, composed of 3-
phase synchronous machine, connected by 200 km
long 154 KV distributed-parameters transmission line
through a step-up transformer of 20/154KV( TR1).
At the substation (TR2), the voltage is stepped down
to 22.9 kV from 154KV. High power industrial loads
of 6MW and 330MVAR loads are connected to the
conventional source. The 10 MVA wind farms is
composed of three fixed-speed induction-type wind
turbines each having a rating of 3.33MVA. The wind
farm is operating at 20KV, and is this voltage is
stepped up to branch network voltages of 22.9KV
through a 20KV/22.9KV transformer (TR3). The
wind farm directly connects with the branch network
(B1) through a transformer (TR3) and is providing
power to the domestic loads. The 10MVA wind farm
supplied to the customer loads at 400V, through
distribution transformers of 22.9KV/400V. Three
domestically loads are separated by each 5KM
transmission line and at each end of 5KM
transmission line a domestically load is connected
through a distribution transformer, as shown in Fig.1.
The most severe fault in the power system is three
phase to ground fault, it results in very high current in
the system. The designed fault current limiter is in
such a way that it should reduce the fault current due
to three phase to ground fault, then it can successfully
reduces the fault current in micro grids for all
remaining faults. Artificial faults are marked as Fault
1, Fault 2 and Fault 3, which represent three-phase-
to-ground faults in distribution grid, customer grid
and transmission line respectively as shown in the
Fig.1.and for each and every fault the wind farm fault
current observed. To reduce this wind farm fault
current the designed superconducting fault current
limiter is placed at three scenarios for three different
faults in the power system. First, we assumed that
single SFCL was located at Location 1 (Substation).
Second, single SFCL was located at Location 2
(Branch Network). Third, single SFCL was located at
Location 3 (Wind farm integration point with the
grid). Finally, in order to clarify the usefulness of
dual SFCL installed together for different locations,
SFCLs were located at Location 1 (Substation) and
Location 4 (Wind Farm) respectively.
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
26


3. Superconducting fault current limiter

Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL) is
innovative electric equipment which has the
capability to reduce the fault current level within the
first cycle of fault current [11]. The first-cycle
suppression of fault current by a SFCL results in an
increased transient stability of the power system
carrying higher power with greater stability. The
concept of using the superconductors to carry electric
power and to limit peak currents has been around
since the discovery of superconductors and the
realization that they possess highly non-linear
properties. More specifically, the current limiting
behavior depends on their nonlinear response to
temperature, current and magnetic field variations.
Increasing any of these three parameters can cause a
transition between the superconducting and the
normal conducting regime. The current increase can
cause a section of superconductor to become so
resistive that the heat generated cannot be removed
locally. This excess heat is transferred along the
conductor, causing the temperature of adjacent
sections to increase. The combined current and
temperature can cause these regions to become
normal and also generate heat. The term quench is
commonly used to describe the propagation of the
normal zone through a superconductor. Once
initiated, the quench process is often rapid and
uncontrolled. Though once initiated the quench
process is uncontrolled, the extent of the normal
region and the temperature rise in the materials can
be predicted.

3.1. Simulation Model of SFCL

The resistive type SFCL was modeled considering
four fundamental parameters of a resistive type
SFCL. These parameters and their selected values
are: 1) Transition or response time = 2m.sec 2)
Minimum impedance = 0.01. Maximum impedance
= 20 3) Triggering current and =550 A 4) Recovery
time. = 10 msec. The SFCL working voltage is
22.9kV. The maximum impedance value can be
varied from 20 ohms to 27 ohms. The SFCL model
developed in Simulink/SimPower System is shown in
Fig.3.1. The SFCL model works as follows. First,
SFCL model calculates the RMS value of the passing
current and then compares it with the characteristic
table. Second, if a passing current is larger than the
triggering current level, SFCLs resistance increases
to maximum impedance level in a pre-defined
response time. Finally, when the current level falls
below the triggering current level the system waits
until the Recovery time and then goes into normal
state. The SFCL characteristic table shown in Fig.3.1
plays a main role which consists of standard
parameter values of SFCL.

Fig.3.1 Simulink model of Single phase SFCL
The current limiting resistance value is calculated and
this value is implemented in the simulation model.
The important parameter to be given in SFCL is the
current limiting resistance value. It is stored in the
SFCL characteristic table. In order to avoid
harmonics caused by transients, filter is used. The
SFCL model developed is tested in both single phase
and three phase test systems and the current
waveforms are recorded with the presence and
absence of SFCL. The simulation model of a single
phase test system with and without SFCL is shown in
Fig.3.2 and Fig.3.3 respectively and the current
waveforms are recorded. The fault current is induced
in the source directly in order to reduce the
complexity of the simulation model.


Fig.3.2.Simulation model of single phase system with
SFCL
The type of the fault induced in the model is single
phase to ground fault where it is induced through the
AC voltage source. An RMS block is needed in order
to calculate the RMS value of the incoming current
signal and to increase the impedance value according
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
27

to the limited fault current value specified in the
SFCL characteristic table.

Fig.3.3 Simulation model of single phase system
without SFCL
The SFCL subsystem can be implemented in various
types of single phase test systems and the operation
can be tested. The performance of the SFCL can also
be tested in a power system generation and
distribution systems using three phase SFCL for
controlling the fault current for each phase. The
subsystem specified in Fig.3.2 is the SFCL model
designed for single phase system which is shown in
Fig.3.3. Harmonics filtration is used in order to
reduce the harmonics caused due to the abnormal
fault current. A normal first order filter is used for
reducing the harmonics. The type of the filter can be
changed depending upon the application of the
system. A controlled voltage source is connected in
order to compensate the voltage sag caused due to the
induced fault current which is caused due to both
internal and external causes.

4. Results and Analysis

Four SFCLs possible locations were analyzed for
three different fault occurring points in the power
system depicted in Fig.1. First, we assumed that
single SFCL was located at Location 1 (Substation).
Second, single SFCL was located at Location 2
(Branch Network). Third, single SFCL was located at
Location 3 (Wind farm integration point with the
grid). Finally, in order to clarify the usefulness of
dual SFCL installed together for different locations,
SFCLs were located at Location 1 (Substation) and
Location 4 (Wind Farm) respectively.

4.1. CASE I: Fault in Distribution Grid

This distribution grid fault is most frequent fault in
the power system. Three phases to ground is applied
at distributed grid for 0.4s - 0.41s as shown in Fig
4.1. The total current in the system is now forced to
flow towards the fault point. The wind farm current
direction and fault current direction is same in this
fault case.

Fig 4.1. Wind farm fault current for distribution
grid fault
4.1.1. SFCL at substation (Location1)
In the case of SFCL located at Location 1
(Substation) fault current contribution from the wind
farm increased to 1025A as shown in Fig4.2. The
magnitude of fault current is higher than No FCL
situation, and the percentage of increment of wind
farm fault current is given by 28. These critical
observations imply that the installation of SFCL in
Location 1, instead of reducing, has increased the DG
fault current.
Fig 4.2 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at
substation in distribution grid fault
4.1.2. SFCL at Branch network (Location2)
The two locations of SFCLs dont show any
difference on the effect of rising in wind farm fault
current due to fault at distribution grid. The wind
farm fault current is about 1025A and the percentage
of increment of wind farm fault current is given by
28 as shown in the Fig 4.3. In this case also the
placement of SFCL raises the wind farm fault current
instead of reducing the wind farm fault current

Fig 4.3 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at branch
network
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
28

4.1.3. SFCL at Integration point (Location3)
This location of SFCL reduces the fault current
coming from two sources. SFCL is in direct path of
fault current only. When SFCL is installed at the
integration point of wind farm with the grid, marked
as Location 3 in Fig4.4. The wind farm fault current
has been successfully reduced to265A. SFCL gives
67% reduction of fault current from wind farm and
also reduce the fault current coming from
conventional power plant because SFCL located in
the direct path of any fault current flowing towards
Fault 1.

Fig 4.4 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at
integration point
4.1.4. Dual SFCL at Substation and at Wind
farm (Location4)
With dual SFCL installed at Location 1 and Location
4, the wind farm fault current reduced to 380A and
also,53% reduction in fault current from wind farm is
also observed from Fig.4.5. However, even though
two SFCLs were installed, wind farm fault current
reduction is lower than what was achieved by the
single SFCL installed at Location 3.

Fig 4.5 Wind farm fault current for dual SFCL at
Substation and at Wind farm
4.2. CASE II: Fault in Customer Grid
The wind farm fault current rises to 580A, due to
customer grid fault as shown in Fig 4.6 There is no
big difference in raise in wind farm fault current due
to this fault. Because in this case just transformer
secondary side impedance is added to the primary
side impedance results in increased in impedance
when compared to the fault1 case impedance ,so the
wind farm fault current is reduced somewhat less
than the first fault case.

Fig 4.6Wind farm fault current for customer grid
fault

4.2.1 SFCL at Substation (Location1)
In the case of SFCL located at Location 1
(Substation) fault current contribution from the wind
farm was increased to 1050A and the magnitude of
fault current is higher than No FCL situation and
the percentage of increment of wind farm current is
given by 81 as shown in the Fig4.7. These critical
observations imply that the installation of SFCL in
Location 1, instead of reducing, has increased the DG
fault current. This sudden increase of fault current
from the wind farm is caused by the abrupt change of
power systems impedance.

Fig 4.7 wind farm fault current for SFCL at
substation
4.2.2. SFCL at Branch network (Location2)

The two locations of SFCLs dont show any
difference on the effect of raise in wind farm current
due to fault at customer grid. The wind farm fault
current is about 875A, and the percentage of
increment of wind farm current is given by 51 as
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
29

shown in the Fig 4.8. In this case also the placement
of SFCL raises the wind farm fault current instead of
reducing the raise in current due to fault.

Fig 4.8 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at branch
network
4.2.3. SFCL at Integration point (Location3)
This placement reduces the fault current coming from
two sources. SFCL is in direct path of fault current
only. When SFCL is installed at the integration point
of wind farm with the grid, marked as Location 3 in
Fig.4.9. In this case the fault current is same as that
of NO SFCL case. SFCL at this location gives no
negative effect on the wind farm fault current,
because it reduces the fault current coming from
conventional power plant as SFCL located in the
direct path of any fault current flowing towards Fault
2.

Fig 4.9 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at
integration point
4.2.4 Dual SFCL at Substation and at Wind
farm (Locatio4)
With dual SFCL installed at Location 1 and Location
4 the wind farm fault current reduced to 670A. 16%
reduction in wind farm fault current is also observed
as shown in Fig.4.10. However, even though two
SFCLs were installed, wind farm fault current
reduction is lower than what was achieved by the
single SFCL installed at Location 3.

Fig 4.10 Wind farm fault current for dual SFCL at
substation and at wind farm
4.3 CASE III: Fault in Transmission Line
The wind farm current raises to 4400A due to
transmission line fault as shown in Fig.4.11. The
wind farm current in this fault case is very high when
compared to the other fault cases because the
transmission line impedance is very less when
compared to the distribution grid and customer grid
transformers, results in high fault current in the wind
farm.


Fig 4.11 Wind farm fault current for transmission line
fault
4.3.1 SFCL at Substation (Location1)

SFCL positioned at Location 1(Substation) reduces
the wind farm fault current to 1540A, as shown in
Fig4.12, and the percentage reduction of wind farm
fault current is 65. This result comes from the fact
that SFCL is installed directly in the path of reverse
current being generated by the wind farm towards
fault point. The currents directly coming from
conventional fault are reduced in the SFCL only due
to insertion of high resistance. So the wind farm
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
30

current reduced due to this location for transmission
line fault.

Fig 4.12 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at
substation
4.3.2. SFCL at Branch network (Location2)
SFCL positioned at Location 1(Substation) reduces
the wind farm fault current to 1320A, as shown in Fig
4.13, and the percentage of reduction of wind farm
fault current is 70. This result comes from the fact
that SFCL is installed directly in the path of reverse
current being generated by the wind farm towards
fault point.

Fig 4.13Wind farm fault current for SFCL at branch
network
4.3.2. SFCL at Integration point (Location3)
When the SFCL was strategically located at the point
of integration of the wind farm with the grid
(Location 3), the highest fault current 4100A,as
shown in Fig4.14,and the percentage of reduction of
wind farm current is given by 7. SFCL injects current
in same direction of currents coming from both
conventional and wind farm currents.

Fig 4.14 Wind farm fault current for SFCL at
integration point
4.3.4. Dual SFCL at Substation and at Wind
farm (Location4)
SFCL at location1 and at location4 are greatly reduce
the wind farm fault current to 1000A, as shown in
Fig4.15,and the percentage of reduction of wind farm
fault current is given by 73, due to transmission line
fault. Even though in this the wind farm fault current
is reduced better when compared to other cases, but it
is not economical and not feasible to use two SFCLs
in the power system.

Fig 4.15 Wind farm fault current for dual SFCL at
substation and at wind farm
The Percentage change in wind farm fault current for
all considered SFCL locations are tabulated below.

Table 4.1: Percentage change in wind farm fault
current due to SFCL locations

Item
Fault1
Distribution Grid
Fault2
Customer Grid
Fault3
Transmission Line
Fault
current
800A 580A 4400A
SFCL
Locatio
n
Fault
Curren
t(A)

Effect
%
Fault
Curren
t(A)

Effect
%
Fault
Curren
t(A)

Effect
%
1 1025
28
increased
1050
81
increased
1540
65
decreased
2 1025
28
increased
875
51
increased
1320
70
decreased
3 265
67
decreased
580
-
4100
7
decreased
4 380
53
decreased
670
16
decreased
1000
73
decreased
S. Srilatha et al. / IJAIR ISSN: 2278-7844
2012 IJAIR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
31

5. Conclusion

The majority of faults in a power system might occur
in the distribution grid and the SFCL designed to
protect micro-grid should not be expected to cater for
the transmission line faults (Fault 3). An important
aspect to be noted here is that wind farms on
distribution side can contribute fault currents to
transmission line faults and this phenomenon must be
considered while designing the protection schemes
for the smart grid. The optimal location of SFCL is at
integration point of two generating sources, for both
distribution and customer grid faults. This location of
SFCL in a power grid which limits all fault currents
and has no negative effect on the DG source is the
point of integration of the wind farm with the power
grid for both distribution and customer grid faults.
And SFCL should not be placed directly at the
substation or the branch network feeder. This
placement of SFCL results in abnormal fault current
contribution from the wind farm in both distribution
and customer grid faults. The optimal location of
SFCL is at the substation or at branch network feeder
for transmission line fault. And SFCL should not be
placed directly at integration point of two sources.
This placement of SFCL results in abnormal fault
current contribution from the wind farm in
transmission line faults. Even though multiple SFCLs
in micro grid can reduce the wind farm current due to
faults but dual SFCLs are inefficient both in
performance and cost.

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8