Design and modelling techniques of permanent magnet fault current limiter

The design approach of the permanent magnet fault current limiter (PMFCL) was investigated. The result of recent published model was assessed using 3D FEM solvers and the discrepancy in the results was evaluated. A new design method for the PMFCL based on the inductance-current profile is presented. The new design method is more accurate than the classical analytical design methods in determining operating current range at steady state and fault conditions. The transient 3D FEM solver was used to model the dynamic response of a PMFCL design and the results have been compared with an air-cored faultcurrent limiter of similar specifications.