Simulation study on a new solid state fault current limiter for high-voltage power systems

In this paper, a new type solid state fault current limiter (SSFCL) with bypass reactor is presented for high-voltage electrical network. The operating principle and control strategies of new SSFCL are discussed in detail. The SSFCL integration with the electrical network has been simulated using simulation package PSIM. It is shown that in normal operation condition the limiter has no obvious effect on loads. When fault happens, the bypass reactor will insert the fault line automatically without delay to limit the short circuit current. By the appropriate control strategies, the solid state bridge will retreat from the fault line as soon as possible. There is no oscillation as well as overvoltage excited by the limiter when the fault current is limited. The control mode is simple and facile. The proposed system is numerically tested, it proved that the theoretical prediction and the current limiting performance is satisfactory for practical use.