Energies, Vol. 19, Pages 1025: Fault Current Limiters for LVRT Enhancement in Wind Turbine Systems: Technologies, Trade-Offs, and Comparative Simulation Insights
Energies doi: 10.3390/en19041025
Authors:
Mehdi Firouzi
Mirhamed Pourmirasghariyan
Kumars Rouzbehi
Manuel R. Arahal
This paper presents a comprehensive review and comparative evaluation of Fault Current Limiter (FCL) technologies for enhancing the Low-Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) capability of Wind Turbine Generation Systems (WTGSs). Among various hardware solutions, FCLs have emerged as a particularly efficient and cost-effective approach to limit high fault currents and ensure grid code compliance. While the application of individual FCL types has been explored in the literature, a comparative analysis encompassing their technologies, inherent trade-offs, and performance insights remains lacking. To address this gap, this work examines the application of key FCL categories, including superconducting FCLs (SFCLs), resonance-type FCLs (RFCLs), and solid-state FCLs (SSFCLs), in both fixed-speed and variable-speed WTGS configurations. The paper synthesizes technological principles, assesses practical trade-offs (e.g., cost, response speed, scalability), and discusses critical insights derived from simulation-based comparisons. The consolidated findings aim to guide the selection, design, and future development of FCL solutions to enhance robust LVRT and provide reliable protection for modern wind power systems.