Application of superconducting fault current limiter to an offshore substation for low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability enhancement

Abstract

This novel study focuses on the application of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) in offshore substations to improve the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of offshore wind farm (OWF) systems when compared with previous studies that focused on controlling each wind generator. Wind turbines are typically connected to onshore grids for economic feasibility. Therefore, wind turbine generators must have LVRT capability to ensure continuous interconnection with onshore power grids. This paper presents an application of SFCL in offshore substations for enhancing LVRT capability and reducing fault current. The proposed wind farm model is based on an actual OWF located off the southwestern coast of Korea. A resistive SFCL and an OWF power system were modeled using the PSCAD/EMTDC transient simulation software package. © 2015 ICIC International.