International Journal of Engineering Applied Science and Management

ISSN (Online): 2582-6948

Vol. 3 Issue 06, June 2022

Fault Current Mitigation by SFCL on Three Phase Micro Grid

Systems

Neeraj Singh1 and Devendra Sharma2

Research Scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronics TIT &Science, Bhopal (MP)1
Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Electronics TIT &Science Bhopal (MP)2
Neerajdau8384@gmail.com1, devendrasharma798@gmail.com2

Abstract: In this paper presents a novel fault detection system in three phase micro grid systems. It is
done through the observation of damping oscillations caused in the transient voltage magnitude when
the fault occurs. Our theoretical study and extensive simulations demonstrate that there is an
approximated linear relationship between the maximum magnitude of the transient signal observed by
a sensor, and the distance between the sensor and the fault location. Based on the discovered
relationship, micro grid topology and sensor location information, we have designed an algorithm
capable of locating the fault in the single-phase micro grids. The proposed system is updated with
SFCL (Super Conducting Fault Current Limiter) for reduction of fault currents during the fault on the
transmission line.
Keywords: Distributed generators (DGs), fault location, single-phase microgrid, transient signal,
SFCL (Super Conducting Fault Current Limiter)

needed for maintenance efficiency and cost reduction,

1. Introduction
According to the US Department of Energy, microgrids
have gained popularity in recent years due to their
numerous benefits, including the capacity to use renewable
energy sources, provide flexible operations, and promote
stability and resilience when utility systems are
disrupted.Microgrids are classified as three-phase or
single-phase systems based on the number of grid phases.
Many academics have explored three-phase microgrids
and have deployed them in utility power networks. Single-
phase microgrids, on the other hand, are appropriate for
power systems with low voltage and low power, including
a residential dwelling, a small commercial lot, a ship, a
space station, a smaller military facility, or an island
situation. [1].The goal of this research is to find a solution
to the problem of fault location in three-phase microgrids.
Fault placement is a significant issue in each level of the
power grid hierarchy, from transmission to distribution to
microgrid. As a result, experts have looked into a variety
of defect location methods. Automatic fault location in
microgrids is required in many situations where
identifying the fault location in a short period of time is
such as those on ships, space stations, military bases,
islands, as well as mission-critical scenarios, or when the
lines are trapped underground or implanted in the
structure, making visual inspection impossible. [2]
1.1 Microgrid
Microgrids can run on either AC (AC microgrid) or DC
(DC microgrid) power systems. The system is linked to the
utility via power transformers with directly-connected AC
loads in the case of AC microgrids. Power electronic
inverters are generally necessary for network connectivity
of DC loads in the AC microgrid. DC microgrids are
becoming more popular because they have various
advantages, including the fact that they do not need
synchronisation with the AC utility and therefore are
compatible with most DG source coupling interfaces,
resulting in lower conversion losses. [3]
Whereas microgrids provide a viable answer to the
problem of DG integration, they also pose operational
issues to the system. Safety zones in the network
(overhead wires and cables) as well as apparatus
categorization are used to categories protection systems in

Paper ID: 2022/IJEASM/3/2022/1731 1

 International Journal of Engineering Applied Science and Management
low voltage distribution level networks (buses,
transformers, generators, loads). Large fault currents with
radial (unidirectional) pattern power flow have generally
been used to build distribution networks. When DERs are
used in standalone or microgrid situations, there is a risk of
degradation of this common property, especially in older
traditional networks. [4]
Figure 1: A typical Microgrid Layout
Internal protection infrastructure must be capable of swift
reactions to both grid linked and microgrid problems,
which is a fundamental operational restriction associated
with microgrids. In the event of a grid fault, the microgrid
must not interfere with the utility protection mechanism in
order to provide dependable and efficient grid fault
clearance. To enable for continued regular operation in the
event of a microgrid failure, the smallest piece of the
microgrid must be sectionalized. Figure shows an example
of a microgrid arrangement. [5]
Another concern with microgrids is the insufficient
amount of fault current provided by DG sources. If the
microgrid retains full connection during a utility grid fault,
the short circuit contribution from the utility source may
be reduced to the point where existing overcurrent devices
malfunction. In the microgrid islanded mode, on the other
hand, the DG sources may not generate enough short
circuit current to enable overcurrent fault detection as well
as clearance procedures to function. This is especially
common in inverter-based DGs, which have current-
limiting devices to avoid overload currents on specific
components. [6]
The demand for the microgrid to be capable of topological
change also highlights the problem of overcurrent relay
Paper ID: 2022/IJEASM/3/2022/1731
ISSN (Online): 2582-6948
Vol. 3 Issue 06, June 2022
sensitivity and selectivity. Protective equipment in the
microgrid as well as network must be able to tell the
difference between grid & internal microgrid failures. [7]
1.2 THREE PHASE MICROGRID TOPOLOGY
As electric distribution technology advance, many trends
are emerging that will alter the requirements for energy
delivery. These changes are now being driven by both the
demand side, which wants more energy availability and
efficiency, as well as the supply side, which needs to
handle the integration of distributed generation as well as
peak-shaving technology. [8]
Figure 2 Micro-grid power system
The micro-storage grid's device is analogous to the
revolving reserve of huge generators in a traditional grid,
which guarantees that energy generation and consumption
are balanced, particularly during rapid fluctuations in load
or generation. From the customer's perspective, micro-
grids provide both thermal and electrical needs while also
improving local reliability, lowering emissions, improving
power quality by supporting voltage and reducing voltage
dips, and potentially lowering energy supply prices. [9]
Distributed energy sources have the ability to lower the
need for distribution and transmission systems from the
utility's perspective. Obviously, distributed generation near
loads reduces flows in transmission and distribution
circuits, which has two key consequences: loss reduction
and the capacity to potentially replace network assets.
Furthermore, having generation near to demand may
improve service quality as experienced by end users.
Micro-grids can provide network support during times of
stress by alleviating congestion as well as assisting with
fault recovery. Micro-grid development can aid in the
reducing emissions as well as the climate change
mitigation. This is due to the fact that currently available
2
 International Journal of Engineering Applied Science and Management
ISSN (Online): 2582-6948
Vol. 3 Issue 06, June 2022

and developing technologies for distributed generation The above is the test system for detection of fault location
units are based on renewable as well as micro sources with and for mitigation of fault currents in the buses with the
very low emissions. [10] help of SFCL. The below are the bus voltages during fault
without SFCL.
2. Methodology
A fault current limiter (FCL) is a device that has low
impedance in normal operation but flips to a high
impedance when the current exceeds a particular threshold
limit caused by the failure. Such a component can raise the
system's short circuit power to a safe level in the case of a
breakdown without damaging the equipment. FCL is a
critical component of future smart grids due to the
aforementioned rationale.

3. Simulation Result and Discussion

For power system simulations, EMTP, and for data
analysis and processing, MATLAB is used. A typical
microgrid is used in the simulation of short circuit
problems. In comparison to those DGs, the external grid Fig.4 Bus voltages during fault on first transmission line without SFCL
has lower source impedance. A grounded switch simulates
a short circuit, and the grounded impedance is modeled by The current magnitudes in each buses are recorded as
series and parallel resistors, inductors, and capacitors. below during the fault without SFCL.When SFCL is
Simulations and analysis of possible short circuit places in placed at bus 4 the impact on voltages of the buses can be
the microgrid are carried out. seen below. The drop in voltage is completely reduced.
3.1 Result analysis

Fig 5 Bus voltages during fault on first transmission line with SFCL

Fig.3 Proposed system Simulink modelling with SFCL
4. Conclusion
As it can be seen with the analysis of the test system the
currents in the bus system are reduce by 70% with SFCL
compared to the proposed the system without SFCL. A
fault is introduced with specific time and impedance on the
first transmission line. The drop in the voltages is also

Paper ID: 2022/IJEASM/3/2022/1731 3

 International Journal of Engineering Applied Science and Management
ISSN (Online): 2582-6948
Vol. 3 Issue 06, June 2022

suppressed with SFCL and continuity of supply is

maintained to the loads without disturbance to the DGs.

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