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Sizing methodology and optimal location of superconducting fault current limiter in DC substations for railways applications

Author

Listed:
  • Nkounga, Willy Magloire
  • Almaksour, Khaled
  • Allais, Arnaud
  • Caron, Hervé
  • Saudemont, Christophe
  • Robyns, Benoit

Abstract

The main innovation of this work is proposing a lifespan economic assessment for resistive superconducting faults current limiter (rSFCL) and a sizing methodology for the rSFCL impedance in railways DC substations. In the presence of short-circuit fault, the current can reach up to 30 times its nominal value. A sizing methodology for rSFCL is developed and applied in the presence of faults. Optimization of REBCO tapes is proposed through heat exchange using MATLAB and EMTP-RV, followed by application for fault limitation. Finally, an investigation of several rSFCL positions is conducted to determine the optimal location for better sizing of the circuit breakers. A cost assessment of the system is conducted. A case study is conducted using three 1500V-4kA DC substations with a fault current value of 120 kA. The results show that the rSFCL can limit up to 66.7% the fault current and reduce the size of the circuit breaker by 50%. The substation with the rSFCL offers a minimum total expenditure (TOTEX), comprising CAPEX (capital expenditure) and OPEX (operational expenditure), profitability of 15.5% compared to a traditional substation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nkounga, Willy Magloire & Almaksour, Khaled & Allais, Arnaud & Caron, Hervé & Saudemont, Christophe & Robyns, Benoit, 2026. "Sizing methodology and optimal location of superconducting fault current limiter in DC substations for railways applications," Mathematics and Computers in Simulation (MATCOM), Elsevier, vol. 242(C), pages 1-18.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:matcom:v:242:y:2026:i:c:p:1-18
    DOI: 10.1016/j.matcom.2025.11.010
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