Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs

In this paper, investigations are carried out to explore the application of the well-known unique bidirectional power flow nature of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) to reduce the complexities of integrating microgrids into distribution networks. More specifically, their adverse impact...

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Main Author: Mohamed Elsamahy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2022-01-01
Series:IEEE Access
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9843971/
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author Mohamed Elsamahy
author_facet Mohamed Elsamahy
author_sort Mohamed Elsamahy
collection DOAJ
description In this paper, investigations are carried out to explore the application of the well-known unique bidirectional power flow nature of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) to reduce the complexities of integrating microgrids into distribution networks. More specifically, their adverse impact on the coordination of existing protection of distribution networks, as well as the complexity of setting their internal protection to handle the change in fault current due different modes of operation. In this context, the capability of the proposed SFCL scheme is tested while demonstrating the tandem operation of the utility distribution network and microgrid protection systems and problems related to sensitivity and selectivity are addressed. In addition, different fault contingencies are considered, namely, faults located on the incoming main-lateral connecting the microgrid to the distribution network (where the fault is between the distribution substation protection and the microgrid) and on an adjacent main-lateral from the same main feeder (where the microgrid is located between the distribution substation protection and the fault). Moreover, other faults are located inside the microgrid on a local-line and at a local end-user. Results have shown the efficiency of the proposed SFCL scheme in reducing the short circuit contributions of both the microgrid and the utility network within the coordination limits depending on the direction of flow into the point of connection (PoC). Thus, it allowed a safe continuous integration of microgrids in distribution networks during faulted conditions, while, simultaneously permitted the microgrid to utilize a single protection setting to handle the changes in short circuit current levels when transitioning between grid-connected and islanded modes of operation. The time-domain simulation studies are conducted using PSCAD/EMTDC software.
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spelling doaj.art-0992c9547fd648388fd5c1e1e40046042022-12-22T01:32:36ZengIEEEIEEE Access2169-35362022-01-0110803658037810.1109/ACCESS.2022.31946289843971Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLsMohamed Elsamahy0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8263-5285University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CanadaIn this paper, investigations are carried out to explore the application of the well-known unique bidirectional power flow nature of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) to reduce the complexities of integrating microgrids into distribution networks. More specifically, their adverse impact on the coordination of existing protection of distribution networks, as well as the complexity of setting their internal protection to handle the change in fault current due different modes of operation. In this context, the capability of the proposed SFCL scheme is tested while demonstrating the tandem operation of the utility distribution network and microgrid protection systems and problems related to sensitivity and selectivity are addressed. In addition, different fault contingencies are considered, namely, faults located on the incoming main-lateral connecting the microgrid to the distribution network (where the fault is between the distribution substation protection and the microgrid) and on an adjacent main-lateral from the same main feeder (where the microgrid is located between the distribution substation protection and the fault). Moreover, other faults are located inside the microgrid on a local-line and at a local end-user. Results have shown the efficiency of the proposed SFCL scheme in reducing the short circuit contributions of both the microgrid and the utility network within the coordination limits depending on the direction of flow into the point of connection (PoC). Thus, it allowed a safe continuous integration of microgrids in distribution networks during faulted conditions, while, simultaneously permitted the microgrid to utilize a single protection setting to handle the changes in short circuit current levels when transitioning between grid-connected and islanded modes of operation. The time-domain simulation studies are conducted using PSCAD/EMTDC software.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9843971/Bidirectional power flowdistribution networks protectionfuse-recloser coordinationmicrogridssuperconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs)
spellingShingle Mohamed Elsamahy
Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs
IEEE Access
Bidirectional power flow
distribution networks protection
fuse-recloser coordination
microgrids
superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs)
title Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs
title_full Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs
title_fullStr Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs
title_full_unstemmed Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs
title_short Reducing Microgrids Integration Complexity in Distribution Networks Considering Bidirectional Power Flow in SFCLs
title_sort reducing microgrids integration complexity in distribution networks considering bidirectional power flow in sfcls
topic Bidirectional power flow
distribution networks protection
fuse-recloser coordination
microgrids
superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs)
url https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9843971/
work_keys_str_mv AT mohamedelsamahy reducingmicrogridsintegrationcomplexityindistributionnetworksconsideringbidirectionalpowerflowinsfcls