Original scientific paper

Investigating the environmental impact of using the power transformer as a fault current limiter

Dr Bhaba P. Das

Abstract

The demand for electrical energy is growing rapidly. Renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, are growing fast as these low emission sources are key milestones on the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. As more and more generations are added, the associated fault currents increase. When transformers are operated in parallel to enhance the reliability of the system, the fault current increases as well. To deal with fault currents, there are different types of fault current limiters (FCL). One traditional measure to limit the short-circuit fault current is to increase the impedance of the transformer. This article investigates the environmental implications of this fault current limiting method. The environmental performance of a 62.5 MVA 154/33.6 kV transformer at 12% impedance is compared against a 62.5 MVA 154/33.6 kV transformer at 20% impedance in terms of tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

Keywords

fault currents; fault current limiter; environmental impact; environmental performance; power transformer; carbon footprint

Hrčak ID:

333375

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/333375

Publication date:

7.7.2025.

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