Simulation of a Superconducting Fault Current Limiter: A Case Study in the Brazilian Power System With Possible Recovery Under Load

In this paper, simulations of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) in a real scenario are presented as an alternative solution for overstressing installed components in a substation of the Brazilian Interconnected Power System. A technical comparison between SFCLs and air-core reactors has been made. Simulations were based on the electrothermal analogy method, which allows the study of the electrical transitory and thermal behavior of the device with low computational effort. The simulated design of SFCL is supposed to operate without a circuit breaker in line with the device, since its design enables its recovery to normal operating conditions under load. Simulations indicate that SFCLs may be more effective than air-core reactors for protecting the substation in study. Furthermore, a fast recovery to the superconducting state has been found.