Numerical Study on Transient State of Inductive Fault Current Limiter Based on Field-Circuit Coupling Method.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Applied Physics

Background:

• Expanding power grid capacity increases risks of high fault currents during contingencies.
• Short-circuit current over-limitation poses a significant threat to grid stability and equipment integrity.
• High-temperature superconducting (HTS) fault current limiters (FCLs) offer a promising solution to mitigate these over-current issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a transient numerical model for simulating the current-limiting process in inductive HTS FCLs.
• To couple multiphysics finite element simulation with a circuit model for comprehensive analysis.
• To validate the model's accuracy using experimental data from an air core inductive SFCL prototype.

Main Methods:

• Development of a coupled multiphysics finite element and circuit model.
• Utilizing a voltage source as input for simulation.
• Simulation of macroscopic characteristics (voltage, current waveforms) and microscopic characteristics (temperature, magnetic field, electrodynamic force).

Main Results:

• The proposed model accurately simulates the transient current-limiting behavior of inductive FCLs.
• Macroscopic electrical parameters like voltage and current waveforms were successfully reproduced.
• Microscopic physical phenomena, including temperature and magnetic field distributions, were simulated.

Conclusions:

• The developed transient numerical model provides a reliable tool for analyzing inductive HTS FCL performance.
• The model's ability to simulate both electrical and physical characteristics aids in FCL design and optimization.
• Validation against experimental data confirms the model's accuracy and applicability for future research and development.