Enhancing Modern Power System Resilience with Superconducting Fault Current Limiters

The contemporary electrical power grid confronts a growing need for effective and dependable electricity distribution. However, as this progress continues, it ushers in fresh challenges, particularly in the management of fault currents, which can result in equipment damage, grid instability, and power interruptions. In response to these critical issues, the integration of Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCLs) has emerged as a focal point in modern power system discussions. SFCLs harness the distinctive properties of superconducting materials to efficiently mitigate fault currents, all while upholding the stability of the grid. This article offers a comprehensive abstract that explores the application of SFCLs as a protective mechanism for contemporary power systems. The abstract commences by elucidating the mounting necessity for mitigating fault currents, driven by the proliferation of sensitive electronic equipment, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and the expansion of distributed generation. It proceeds to introduce the foundational principles of superconductivity and its practical utilization in limiting fault currents. To validate the proposed methodologies, an enhanced IEEE33 bus test system is employed, and all simulations are conducted within the MATLAB Simulink environment. This research seeks to address the pressing concerns surrounding fault current management in modern power systems, presenting a multifaceted approach that combines theoretical foundations with practical solutions.