Comparative analysis of expulsion and current-limiting fuse operation in distribution systems for improved power quality and protection

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the effects of expulsion and current-lrmiting fuse (CLF) operations in distribution systems on power quality and system protection. This analysis included field tests of both types of fuses on a distribution system in Florida. To further analyze fuse effects on the voltage dip duration and spread of the overvoltages created during the fuse operations throughout the system, computer simulations were also performed. Unique digital fuse models were developed for use with the EMTP/ATP program. This paper shows that CLFs improve power quality by supporting system voltage during faults, reducing the voltage dip duration, and do not affect load operation. Additionally, CLFs reduce the fault letthrough I't.Computer simulations are included with the field testing in order to demonstrate that computer simulations can be used to predict the effects of CLF operations at any location in the system. The CLF models presented in this paper were developed for use with the Alternative Transients Program (ATP) and the Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP) which are widely used for power system analysis. Developed models can accurately simulate CLF operations and the resultant system voltages. The first section of this paper presents the CLF fuse modeling method. Models were verified by comparing simulation results to the laboratory tests. Fuse testing is included in section two. This section includes a comparative analysis of expulsion and current limiting fuse operations on distribution systems. Conclusions are given at the end of this paper.

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