Growing demand for connecting distributed generation (DG) sources has been facing major challenges — in particular, mitigation of extra fault current introduced with DG connection to distribution grids. Network operators will not authorize connection of gas generation, biogas cogeneration and other renewable resources, without proven means for protecting the distribution network from excessive fault currents. Independent power producers are often required to make significant capital and resource investments in order to limit the added fault current, and subsequently get permits for connection.
Such requirements often result in significant postponement of the connection and to loss of potential revenues. In some cases, where the distribution network is already over - subscribed for new connections, it may not be possible for a new plant to connect at all.
Following nearly four years of field operation in live distribution networks, GridON is announcing a new family of cost-effective fault current limiters for mid- to high-voltage applications. GridON’s established technology has been further enhanced to offer an economical product with smaller footprint for decentralized and renewable power producers, distribution grid operators, and industrial customers. The FCL instantly suppresses excessive current and recovers to normal load promptly upon fault clearance, always ready for consecutive short circuit events. The FCL increases network capacity and improves grid resilience and reliability, while significantly lowering capital expenditures and operating costs.
The FCL is reliable and robust, and is easy to install and maintain. GridON’s FCLs enable increased supply from additional generation and renewable energy sources. Independent power producers are now able to apply this novel FCL for cost-effective and reliable connection of decentralized energy sources, and to fully control excessive fault currents. GridON’s FCL accelerates connection time, while reducing associated costs.
Decentralized Generation application example: A typical distributed generation source (like gas and wind) is being connected to 11-33 kV grids. Following is an example of a 20 MVA gas generation plant, connecting to a 33 kV distribution network. The prospective fault current from the independent power producer side is 1,500 A, while the network operator’s requirement is keeping additional fault current under 600 A at all times. An FCL installed in the point of common connection to the network will guarantee that all fault currents will be limit ed under 600 A level.
