1. A Novel Fault Current Limiter
Czech-Israeli Workshop
May 1, 2011
Dima Lansberg

2. Introduction
Novel Fault Current Limiter (FCL) platform – patentable, 3rd generation technology; exclusively licensed from Bar-Ilan University and Ricor Ltd
Technology innovation – the FCL technology has been developed over the past eight years by a team of scientists with extensive experience in electricity, mathematics, physics, magnetic and superconductivity
Strategic partnership – GridON is working with Wilson Transformer Company, a shareholder and manufacturing partner
Strong market recognition –
Selected to provide FCL solution for a major European utility
Received GE ecomagination innovation award (out of 4,000 contenders)
Received the ACES 2011 European award 2 2

3. The problem
Increasing power generation from conventional and alternative energy sources
Increasing power supply on interconnected network
Short-circuit current rise with the increase of power supply; causing power supply disruptions, equipment damage and major outages 3

4. The solution
Fault Current Limiters (FCL) to control prospective fault current at full range of voltage/current ratings on distribution and transmission grids 4 4

5. Typical implementation
Transmission and distribution grids
Generation stations and alternative energy feeders
Industrial plants with high power consumption
Common implementations are Bus-tie and Feeder connections
SCENET (2001) 5

6. Novel single core concept
Inductive system providing variable impedance
DC-bias keeps the core fully saturated, providing very low impedance during normal operation
Fault current yielding high AC magnetic flux counter to the DC-bias flux; pushing the core out of saturation (1-2ms) and increasing the FCL impedance
Impedance increases (non-linearly) up to 5-6 times
Tunable DC-biasing allows for current regulation during normal operation
Superconducting (HTS) free device, using standard transformer technology
Compact, single-core, single-phase and 3-phase systems
1st half cycle left leg de-saturated
2nd half cycle right leg de-saturated 6

7. Unique performance
Variable impedance for Current Limiting and Current Tuning
Performance
Can scale up to very high voltage (transformer ratings)
Instantaneous passive reaction (1-2ms)
Unlimited holding time of limited-current
Zero-time recovery (1-2ms)
Robustness
Fail-safe device, not using any switching or electronics
Simple, low technology-risk design (standard transformer technology and life expectancy)
Optional DC-bias saturation methods
No auxiliary equipment other than standard DC power-supply
Advanced FCL monitoring (Dynamic Ratings’ DRMCC)
Remote monitoring of voltage, phase currents, temperature and alarms
Recording of short circuit events including voltage/current traces 7 7 7

8. ROI Extending equipment life and reducing capital expenditure
Few FCLs can save millions to tens of millions of dollars required for a typical substation upgrade (switchgear, breakers, reactors, transformers, etc.)
Enabling cost-effective design of new substations
Enabling network connectivity and power expansion
Increasing power generation from conventional and renewable energy sources
Much better solution than lossy series reactors which operate constantly with high inductance
Beyond limiting, the FCL provides current-tuning during normal operation
Improving grid reliability and power quality 8

9. Thank You 9 9