Fault Protection of Urban Distribution Network Using a Superconducting Cable Joint

To enhance the operating security and stability of the cross-linked polyethylene power cable based urban distribution network due to conventional cable joint (CCJ) faults, this paper presents a novel superconducting fault current limitation scheme by using a superconducting cable joint (SCJ). The basic principle, circuit modeling, conceptual design and distribution network integrated with the SCJ are presented in detail. The comparative study without and with the proposed SCJ scheme and comprehensive evaluation are carried out. The simulation results obtained under symmetrical and asymmetrical CCJ faults show that the harmful large fault grid currents can be limited effectively and the fault grid voltage can be well improved. Thus the high temperature electric arc in the fault location caused by CCJ faults can be safely controlled. And large area power failure in actual power system can be avoided.