Reliability Evaluation of Distribution Network With DG Considering the Reliability of Protective Devices Affected by SFCL

This paper proposes a reliability model for a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL), which is a new alternative in limiting the fault current recently increasing in a network. An evaluation technique for distribution reliability that uses the improved failure rate of all protective devices in a network, depending on the location of the SFCL, is also proposed. As a result, it is expected that the SFCL makes the reliability of adjacent equipment on an existing network improve, and these changes are analyzed. In addition, in order to apply the effect of the intermittent output of renewable-energy sources, distribution reliability indices were redefined in this paper. Case studies verify that the SFCL is effective in reducing fault currents and improving distribution reliability. These effects are analyzed with respect to the location of the SFCL in a case study system.