Extending the Lifetime of Power Transformers by using Fault Current Limiting Devices in the Network Distribution

Abstract

This paper investigates the advantages of Fault Current Limiting (FCL) technologies in extending the life span of power transformers within a power system distribution network. Power transformers being expensive equipments, this must be protected against unforeseen short circuit currents and power quality disturbances. The economic and capability of the fault current limiter is very important for reducing the lifecycle cost of a power transformer. In this paper, the results of a fault current limiter under normal, fault and post-fault conditions of the circuit are presented and compared to the results obtained with circuit breaker. It is found that the fault current limiter provides better results in limiting the fault current.