A novel configuration approach of SFCLs in the power grid and its economic analysis

The superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is expected to be a good choice for cooperating the circuit breakers to cut off large fault current. In order to achieve better economic benefits and meet the current limiting requirements of the power grid, a novel configuration approach of SFCL is proposed. The sensitivity factor is utilized to select the type of SFCL and the candidate transmission branches for SFCL to be installed. The particle swarm optimization with shrinkage factor (XARPSO) and the Pareto principle is introduced for determining optimal configuration of SFCLs. Then, the net present value (NPV) index method is proposed to conduct the economic analysis of an SFCL, considering the total device cost and the whole network power loss. Besides, the economic comparison between SFCLs and conventional current-limiting air core reactors (ACR) is carried out. Finally, the IEEE 39-bus system is built and a large amount of calculation results show that the SFCL have promising application prospects in limiting the fault current and reducing the network loss.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a novel configuration approach for SFCLs, which utilizes the sensitivity factor to select the type of SFCL and the candidate transmission branches for installation. The optimal configuration of SFCLs is determined using particle swarm optimization with shrinkage factor and the Pareto principle. Economic analysis shows that SFCLs have promising application prospects in limiting fault currents and reducing network losses.