A dc-reactor-based solid-state fault current limiter for HVdc applications

Abstract

Expansion of high-voltage dc (HVdc) systems to multi-terminal HVdc (MT-HVdc) systems/grids considerably increases the short-circuit levels. In order to protect the emerging MT-HVdc systems/grids against fault currents, proper dc fault current limiters (FCLs) must be developed. This paper proposes an innovative high inductance solid-state dc-reactor-based FCL (HISS-DCRFCL) to be used in HVdc applications. In fact, during the HISS-DCRFCL normal operation, its inductance value is extremely low, and its value becomes considerably high during the fault period, which decreases the fault current amplitude. The proposed HISS-DCRFCL performance is analyzed by MATLAB/Simulink and the simulation results are verified and confirmed by laboratory experimental results using a scaled-down laboratory prototype setup.