Fault current limiter principle by switching magnetic circuit

Abstract Several types of fault current limiters have been studied so far, including superconductor based one or nonsuperconductor based one. However, it is difficult to satisfy all requirements for cost, maintainability, and current limiting performance. This study proposes another type of fault current limiter, variable transformer based one. It is supposed to be less expensive and easier to be maintained since it is based on the conventional transformer, and to be expected better current limiting performance since the magnetic circuit of the transformer is drastically changed. The magnetic circuit of the transformer is switched to be opened and to produce another one by shifting a portion of its iron core mechanically, allowing the primary and secondary electric circuit to be magnetically isolated. In that way, the electromotive force of the secondary winding could be reduced so that the secondary current could be limited. The prototype based on this concept was designed and built up, and its stational performance has been investigated. As a result, it was confirmed that the prototype shows good current limiting performances identical to the results of the previous FE analysis. Furthermore, the prototype was connected to the operating mechanism to investigate the transient performances, and as a result, satisfying current limiting performances are confirmed