Fault current limitation using thyristor based devices

This paper presents analysis, simulation and experimental results of two short circuit current limiters, the Thyristor Inserted Reactor and the Thyristor Bypassed Capacitor. The purpose of the fault current limiters is to reduce the overstress of circuit breakers provoked by the network expansion and the consequent increase in fault currents. The simulation and experimental prototype results demonstrate the effectiveness of these devices to limit fault currents, deferring significantly the replacement of circuit breakers with surpassed fault current interruption capacity.