Fault Current Limiting Devices

This fault current limiter was installed in uk power network s 33 11 kv substation in newhaven east sussex england in 2013.

Fault current limiting devices. The load side fault level is the same as the line side fault level or any other value lower than the calculated ohm s law prospective fault current. Current limiting reactors are now widely used to control fault currents in both utility and industrial power systems. The growing energy demand and the need for stable power supply are some of the major challenges faced by consumers power producers and network operators. This can be determined through testing known as series rating but is not permitted for consideration within ul 508a.

The i s limiter can be used in various applications providing a very high and fast fault current breaking capability at high operating currents. Current limiting reactors are connected in series with the power system essentially to damp the short circuit fault current. Do not assume the fault level downstream of current limiting devices is 6ka it isn t. During normal operation a continuous current flows through the reactor.

The most common applications are the connection of two independent systems bypassing or replacing of a current limiting reactor and connecting additional power sources ie generator or grid connection. The fcl enables the substation to run with all three 33 11 kv transformers connected to the 11 kv bus bars with a fault level of 11 3 ka. Fault current limiters fcls are special power system devices used to mitigate and lower high short circuit currents to much more manageable levels for existing protection equipment like circuit breakers cbs. Fault current limiting abb s fault current limiters are the efficient solution for short circuit current challenges in newly installed and existing electrical networks.

A fault current limiter fcl also known as fault current controller fcc is a device which limits the prospective fault current when a fault occurs e g. In a power transmission network without complete disconnection. The primary advantages of a current limiting reactor are. Use a current limiting overcurrent protective device ahead of the old switchboard.

The term includes superconducting solid state and inductive devices.