An investigation of the switched-capacitor circuit as a solid-state fault current limiting and interrupting device (FCLID) with power factor correction suitable for low-voltage distribution networks

Abstract

The Switched Capacitor (SC) Circuit is investigated in this paper as a Solid-State Fault Current Limiter and interrupting device (FCLID) with power factor correction suitable for low-voltage distribution networks. It was applied so far successfully as a power factor and harmonic current compensator and as a Switched Capacitor Circuit inverter. In this application it is inserted in series with the supply line, providing both power factor correction and limitation of the current to a pre-set value in the event of a fault. Interruption of the fault is also possible by setting both semiconductor switches in the off state. Overvoltage is present in SC Circuits and they appear across both the passive and active components. The problem can be alleviated by optimising the system operation and system components.