Impact of SCFCL on Fault Current Level in Active Distribution Networks: Matlab/Simulink Case Studies

Abstract

Electric power systems are experiencing significant changes in distribution systems through the deployment of distributed power technologies, including both conventional and renewable energy technologies. This extensive adoption is typically due to the benefits acquired by the utility and customers when installing Distributed Generation (DG) such as improving the voltage profile, securing power, reducing power losses, and increasing the system efficiency. However, the rapid usage of DGs encountered some drawbacks such as harmonics injection, reversed power flow, and increased fault current level. Accordingly, fault current limiter is one of the widely used technologies to suppress the increase in the fault current level and avoid damaging the distribution system. In this paper, the effect of connecting photovoltaic and conventional-based DGs on fault current level is investigated. A modified IEEE 15-bus distribution system is employed in this study and simulated using Matlab/Simulink. The influence of DG integration is investigated during normal operation; in addition, the impact on the fault current level is explored. Moreover, resistive superconductor fault current limiter is considered and simulated as a solution for mitigating the DG effect on the fault current level.